Show summary Hide summary
- Dolly Parton’s passing and first reactions
- Why she canceled Dollywood events and recent hospital care
- Longstanding gynecological condition: endometriosis
- Mental health: a candid struggle with depression
- Back troubles that disrupted touring
- Kidney stones, infections and related procedures
- Reports of kidney and autoimmune complications before death
- Timeline of major health events
- What she said in her last months
- Further reading and related stories
Dolly Parton, the beloved country star, died on Aug. 25 at 80, leaving fans and colleagues stunned. Her nephew and longtime security chief, Bryan Seaver, announced the news on Instagram. In the days before her passing, Parton had spoken publicly about new health problems and canceled a Dollywood appearance on doctors’ orders.
Dolly Parton’s passing and first reactions
Amex 45,000-point referral bonus for select cardmembers: check accounts now
Tom Cruise’s Days of Thunder sequel lands June 2028: Anne Hathaway joins
Family members and close associates reacted quickly after the announcement. Social posts and tributes poured in across social platforms. Seaver’s Instagram post confirmed the death and set off a wave of remembrance from around the world.
- Death reported: Aug. 25; age: 80.
- Announcement by Bryan Seaver, her nephew and security lead.
- Fans were alerted following a recent hospital stay and canceled appearances.
Why she canceled Dollywood events and recent hospital care
In August, Parton pulled out of a planned appearance at her Dollywood park after doctors advised against travel. She appeared in a pre-recorded video explaining symptoms like dizziness and dehydration.
Local reports say she was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville on Aug. 20. Media outlets later reported she was treated for kidney and autoimmune issues in the final days of her life.
Longstanding gynecological condition: endometriosis
Parton first faced severe abdominal pain in the early 1980s. Her symptoms led to repeated hospital visits and surgeries over several years.
- Diagnosed with endometriosis in the 1980s.
- Symptoms included heavy bleeding and intense pelvic pain.
- Underwent a partial hysterectomy in 1985 and could not carry children thereafter.
Endometriosis affects many women worldwide and can cause chronic pain and fertility challenges.
Mental health: a candid struggle with depression
Parton spoke openly about a severe depressive episode in her 30s. She described a period when emotional strain affected her work and overall health.
In interviews, she attributed that low point to a combination of emotional and physical problems. She said it forced her to reassess her life and habits and later helped her regain her footing.
Her message about fame and mental health
Parton reminded audiences that money and fame do not prevent depression. She often urged people to take mental health seriously and seek help when needed.
Back troubles that disrupted touring
Back pain forced Parton to postpone shows in 2008 during the North American leg of a tour. Doctors recommended several weeks of rest after she hurt a disk in her lower back.
She sometimes joked that her physique contributed to strain, but she also described acute incidents of sudden pain from everyday movements.
Kidney stones, infections and related procedures
Parton faced kidney stone issues multiple times. In 2015 she had stones removed and later denied rumors of more serious disease.
In September 2025, she stepped back from public events after doctors found an infection linked to kidney stones. That episode prompted additional medical care and short-term cancellations.
- 2015: kidney stones removed.
- 2025: infection related to stones led to a brief pause in public work.
- 2026: postponed and later canceled Las Vegas residency dates while recovering.
She reassured fans that medications and treatments were effective and that doctors called her conditions treatable.
Reports of kidney and autoimmune complications before death
Media outlets reported that Parton was hospitalized for kidney and autoimmune problems days before she died. Those reports said doctors ordered limited travel and additional evaluation in August.
Her public message about being dehydrated and dizzy was part of a broader caution from doctors who advised rest and treatment instead of travel.
Timeline of major health events
- Early 1980s: severe abdominal pain and hospitalizations.
- 1982: tour canceled amid worsening symptoms.
- 1985: partial hysterectomy performed.
- Mid-1980s: period of major depression and recovery.
- 2008: back injury led to tour postponement.
- 2015: kidney stones removed.
- 2025: husband Carl Dean died; later that year she had a kidney infection.
- Aug. 20 (year reported): admitted to Vanderbilt Medical Center.
- Aug. 25: death announced; she was 80.
What she said in her last months
Parton spoke directly to fans when she could not attend appearances. She remained upbeat and thankful, often emphasizing gratitude and reassurance about her treatment.
She told audiences she was improving, that treatments were working, and that she appreciated their support.
Further reading and related stories
- Analysis of her classic song’s origin and legacy
- Details emerging about funeral plans after her death
- Eyewitness reports from her final public events
If you or someone you care about is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
