As the world mourns the loss of the great Dolly Parton, her publicist revealed the beloved icon’s cause of death. Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, and tributes from celebs like Beyoncé and King Charles are pouring in.
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Dolly Parton’s Publicist Reveals Cancer Was Her Cause Of Death
The world was saddened to hear of Parton’s death at age 80 on Tuesday. Her publicist Marcel Pariseau revealed that the ‘I Will Always Love You’ singer-songwriter died after “a brief battle with cancer.” Pariseau noted that Parton died in Nashville at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, per WCVB.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”
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According to PEOPLE, Parton was admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center four days before her death for kidney and autoimmune issues.
Beyoncé Shares Tribute To Dolly Parton
Parton wrote hundreds of songs, and many were covered by other artists, such as Whitney Houston’s cover of ‘I Will Always Love You.’ Beyoncé covered Parton’s hit song ‘Jolene‘ for her country album, ‘Cowboy Carter,’ and she shared a tribute to the late singer on her website following her death.
“You were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself,” she wrote. “I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”
Empire State Building Lights Up For Dolly As Celebs Pay Tribute
The Empire State Building also paid tribute to the legendary country artist and movie star. In addition to being an 11-time GRAMMY-Award-winning artist, Parton also starred in several films such as ‘Steel Magnolias,’ ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Rhinestone,’ and the Big Apple honored the actress with a tribute. A pink light show lit up the Empire State Building on Tuesday night. The “pink sparkle” was in honor of Parton’s 70-year career.
Other tributes poured in from Dionne Warwick, Keke Palmer, Kamala Harris, former president’s Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden, Mick Jagger, Pink, Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ co-stars Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, Donatella Versace, Kelly Clarkson, Jeff Bezos and The Muppets, and countless others.
Former President Barack Obama noted Parton’s 11 GRAMMY Awards, commitment to child literacy and her assistance in accelerating COVID vaccine research.
It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and — as if that wasn’t enough — helped accelerate the research that led to the… https://t.co/gl4KGm4vnk
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 25, 2026
Not only are folks paying tribute to the legend in the U.S., but they are doing so world-wide. The Royal Family honored the late country singer in London during the Changing of the Guard ceremony as the Band of the Coldstream Guards played the theme song from ‘9 to 5.’ A video of the tribute was shared on Instagram with the caption:
“Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many – including the millions of children given free books through her Imagination Library. We will always ❤️ you.”
