Dolly Parton has been quietly battling health issues for several months, even as she continued to downplay them until the very end. Parton passed away on August 25 at 80 years of age, only a few days after giving what seemed to be a promising update on her health.
“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,” Parton told People on August 21. “You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. 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.”
“But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago,” she continued. “I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”
Last fall, Parton’s sister Freida asked fans to pray for Parton. Parton later responded with a video, showing her fans that she was on the mend.
“There are just a lot of rumors flying around, but I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was okay,” she said in part. “So anyhow, that’s what I wanted to say, and I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working. So I love you for caring, and keep praying for me.”
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Dolly Parton Cancels Plans Amid Health Challenges
In May, the Country Music Hall of Fame member announced she was canceling her Las Vegas residency, one she had previously postponed, due to some health challenges.
“I have some good news, and a little bad news,” Parton said in a video she shared on social media at the time. “But the good news is I’m responding really well to meds and treatments. And I’m improving every day. The bad news is it’s going to take me a little while before I’m up to stage performance level, because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy-headed, as my grandma used to say.
“And of course, I can’t be swimmy-headed carrying around banjos and guitars and such on five-inch heels,” she continued. “And you know that I’m going to be wearing them. Not to mention all those heavy rhinestone outfits, the big hair, my big…personality. Lord, that would make anybody swimmy-headed. Just think of me like an old classic car that, once restored, can be better than ever.”
Dolly Parton’s Nephew, Brian Seaver, Announces Her Passing
Parton’s nephew, Brian Seaver, shared the devastating news of her passing.
“Dolly opened doors not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible,” Seaver said in part. “Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life, and across every continent. By her example, we believe that anything is possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open. And the doors she opened made and changed history. My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly.”
“Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever,” he concluded. “Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. 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 deserved to be comfortable, and have some rest. Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly … May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
Parton was getting ready to open her My Life of Many Colors museum this fall. A musical about her life is scheduled to open on Broadway in early 2027.
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Photo Credit: CMA