Dolly Parton Dead Just Days After Revealing Health Struggles

Dolly Parton, the beloved country music legend behind timeless hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” has died at the age of 80. The singer’s nephew announced her death in an Instagram video on Tuesday, August 25.

News of Parton’s death arrived only four days after she publicly addressed her ongoing health struggles and revealed that she had neglected her own well-being while caring for her late husband, Carl Dean. A cause of death was not disclosed in the initial report.

Parton spoke candidly about her condition during an August 21 interview with PEOPLE, acknowledging that her health had declined following Dean’s death in March 2025. “As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” she said.

“You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this,” the country music star continued. “Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health.”

Despite her condition, the country icon made it clear that she remained focused on her work and the many projects she still hoped to complete. Her final months included several public signs that her health was affecting her schedule. Parton appeared virtually at the opening of a new Dollywood attraction after her doctors advised her against traveling.

She had also canceled her Las Vegas residency after previously postponing the shows because of health concerns. In May, the Associated Press reported that Parton said she was responding well to medication and treatment, but needed more time before she could perform at her usual level.

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