New details about Dolly Parton’s health in the days before her death are being revealed.
According to multiple outlets, Parton was admitted to a hospital on Friday, August 21.
TMZ reported the 9 to 5 actress traveled specifically to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville with kidney and autoimmune issues. (Us has reached out for comment.)
That same day, the country music icon released a statement, sharing an update on her health and business plans.
“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 [my late husband] Carl [Thomas Dean],” Parton told People on Friday. “You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. 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 continued, “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.”
News broke on Tuesday, August 25, that Parton had died peacefully in Nashville at the age of 80. Her nephew Brian Seaver announced her death in an Instagram video, as per her request years prior. (A cause of death was not revealed.)
“The sadness lays with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus,” he said. “Surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”
Seaver continued, “Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life. By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.”
Since Parton’s death was confirmed, countless actors and musicians have shared their fond memories working with the Grammy winner.
As a final gift, Parton’s family asked for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age 5, no matter their family’s income.
“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,” Parton’s rep said in a statement to Us. “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. … Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.
