The world is mourning the loss of a true American icon following the announcement that Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80. The heartbreaking news was delivered on Tuesday through a video message shared by her nephew, though specific details regarding the cause of death were not disclosed. Her passing comes shortly after she had opened up about her struggles with her health, revealing that she had neglected her own well being while caring for her husband, Carl Dean, prior to his death last year.
In a statement given to People magazine on August 21, just days before she died, Parton admitted that there were medical issues she simply did not pay attention to during her time as a caregiver. Despite these challenges, she remained characteristically optimistic and determined. She noted that while she was still healing, she intended to keep working toward the many dreams and goals she had yet to achieve, insisting that she would continue pushing forward for as long as possible.
Her decline had become more apparent in recent months as several high profile appearances were canceled or modified. Earlier this month, Parton missed the opening of a new attraction at her Dollywood theme park, sending a pre recorded video instead to explain that dehydration and dizziness had led her doctors to restrict her travel. This followed the cancellation of a Las Vegas residency in May due to complications with her immune and digestive systems, marking a difficult period for the singer who usually maintained an exhaustive schedule.
Throughout the past year, Parton faced mounting concern from fans and family alike. Last October, she even released a playful video proclaiming she wasn’t dead yet after requests for prayers began circulating online. While sources previously suggested she was treating kidney stones at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and described her ailments as nothing major at the time, it appears those cumulative stressors took a final toll. To honor her enduring legacy, ABC will air a special edition of 20/20 titled Dolly Parton: An American Original this Tuesday night.
