Dolly Parton‘s cause of death has been revealed. The global icon whose extraordinary life and career inspired generations of musicians died on Tuesday at the age of 80.
Parton’s team confirmed that the star faced a brief battle with cancer and died surrounded by her loved ones in Nashville. “Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” read a statement shared with Rolling Stone. According to People, Parton was hospitalized four days before her death.
Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death via a video announcement on Facebook. “As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now,” Seaver said. “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.
“Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent,” he added. “By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.”
An outpouring of tributes across the globe have been shared following Parton’s death. Fans, artists, and leaders across all industries are mourning the star whose relentless optimism, grace, and resilience was a shining light.
Ella Langley celebrated Parton as a trailblazer who helped open the doors for other women in music. “Dolly, thank you for standing up for yourself as an artist, a songwriter, a musician, a producer, an author, a creative, and most importantly a woman in this industry,” wrote Langley. “You paved the way for so many to be brave.”
Shania Twain, who memorably performed Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors” alongside the legend during a 2003 duet on Oprah Winfrey Show, was also among the artists mourning the loss. “My mentor is gone. My songwriting teacher and hero of grace and humility,” wrote Twain in a tribute alongside footage of the performance. “There is a hole in my heart but the joy of just the thought of her smile will continue to fill me with inspiration for as long as I live.”
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