Dolly Parton’s estate announced that the music icon died following a “brief battle with cancer.”

After Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver shared the news of her passing at the age of 80 in a video message uploaded to her Instagram account Aug. 25, 2026, her estate shared more details about her health struggles.

“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” Parton’s estate said in a statement.

The statement also praised Parton for living a life filled with philanthropy and kindness.

“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” the statement read.

“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.”

The estate signed the statement “Team Dolly.”

Parton’s sister Stella also referenced her cancer battle in a tribute shared Aug. 27.

“My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known,” she wrote.

“What the world saw is exactly who she was, so much so, she told me recently that if there was no hope for her, she would still allow her medical team to try experimental drugs in the hope of helping others in the future.”

Parton had not publicly shared that she was diagnosed with cancer prior to her death. However, she had informed fans that she had health struggles prior to her death.

What Was Dolly Parton’s Cause of Death?

Parton’s estate confirmed in a statement that she had faced “a brief battle with cancer” before she died. The estate said she died on Aug. 25 at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center with her loved ones by her side.

Fans were aware that Parton had been dealing with health challenges about a year before she died.

In September 2025, she announced that she needed to cancel her Las Vegas residency shows to address “health challenges.”

Earlier this year in March, she spoke more about her “few little health issues” at the opening day celebration for Dollywood’s 41st season.

“I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on,” she said regarding the death of husband Carl Thomas Dean in March 2025.

“I just got myself kind of where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally and physically. But, all is good. It didn’t slow me down,” she added.

She shared additional details in a video uploaded to Instagram in May.

“The good news is I’m responding really well to meds and treatments, and I’m improving every day. Now, the bad news is it’s going to take me a little while before I’m up to stage-performance level,” she told fans.

What Kind of Cancer Did Dolly Parton Have?

The statement from Team Dolly did not specify what kind of cancer she had.

What Did Dolly Parton’s Family Say About Her Death?

Seaver, the son of Parton’s sister Cassie Parton, previously shared in his video that his aunt asked him to record the message before he “fully absorbed it as a future reality.” He said fulfilling her request was “honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.”

“Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever. Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy,” Seaver shared.

“He farmed the soil. She farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.”

Parton’s goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, honored Parton with a tribute during an October 2026 performance at the Hollywood Bowl. The venue is the only place Cyrus had ever seen her “Aunt Dolly” perform live.

Before Cyrus sang her rendition of Parton’s “Jolene,” she tearfully addressed the audience. “Me and Dolly, we are eternal,” Cyrus said, seated at the edge of the stage. “Nothing in this life could ever tear us apart.”

“And I’m gonna see her again,” Cyrus went on. “And I can’t f------ wait. And I miss her.”

Other tributes to the music icon poured in following Parton’s passing. TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager shared a heartfelt message, as did Kelly Clarkson, Parton’s “9 to 5” co-stars Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, Patti LaBelle and more.

Vanderbilt Health also honored Parton’s legacy, including her numerous financial contributions to both children’s cancer and infectious disease research. A $1 million contribution from the singer helped fund Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.