Parton’s family has not disclosed a cause of death. Her death comes days after she spoke publicly about ongoing health problems that had caused her to cancel or miss several appearances.
Earlier this month, Parton missed the opening of a new attraction at her theme park, Dollywood, after her doctor advised her not to travel.
“I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I’ve had a few little health issues, and sometimes I get a little dizzy and I get dehydrated,” she explained in a video.
Parton had also recently shared an update on her health, acknowledging that she had experienced a decline in her health after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025.
In an interview with PEOPLE published on Friday, August 21, Parton said she had neglected some of her health problems while caring for Dean.
“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. You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this,” Parton told PEOPLE.
“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.”
She added: “But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. 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.”
According to a statement from Parton’s team, her immediate family will have “a small, private service.”
Her friends and family “are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media” by tagging her in posts or leaving a message on her website.
In lieu of flowers, Parton’s family has asked for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Parton leaves behind a career spanning more than five decades and a legacy as one of the most influential figures in country music.
She began her recording career with her 1967 debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, and went on to release numerous hits, including “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5” and “Jolene.”
Parton became the best-selling female country music artist of all time, with more than 160 million albums sold worldwide, while also building a successful career as an actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. Her philanthropic work included the Imagination Library, which provides books to children, and other initiatives in education, healthcare and disaster relief.
Parton’s death comes just four days after she told PEOPLE that, despite her health struggles, she intended to keep working.
“Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’!” she said.
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