Dolly Parton's cause of death has been officially confirmed by her representatives. In a statement released to People, her team revealed that the country icon died after a "brief battle with cancer," passing away peacefully at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by her loved ones.
Parton, 80, was admitted to the hospital on Friday, August 21, and died just four days later on Tuesday. Her family's statement read, "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones."
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, broke the news to fans in an emotional video posted to her Instagram, saying it was "an honor mixed with absolute pride and great sadness," adding that Dolly was now "in the arms of Jesus."
In the weeks leading up to her death, Parton had been dealing with dizziness and dehydration, forcing her to skip an in-person appearance at Dollywood's newest ride, NightFlight Expedition, just eleven days before she passed. She had also postponed and later cancelled her Las Vegas residency earlier this year, citing ongoing health struggles.
Her family's statement went on to celebrate her legacy: "A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family."
Tributes have since poured in from close friends including Jane Fonda and Reba McEntire, both remembering Dolly as one of a kind.