Dolly Parton has died aged 80

Dolly Parton has reportedly passed away at the age of 80.

The Queen of Country's tragic death was announced by her head of security Bryan Seaver in a poignant post shared on Tuesday (25 August).

"This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality," he said in the emotional footage.

"As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven't truly felt it until now.

"It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly."

She has been battling a number of unknown health issues in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, she told fans how doctors had ordered her to cancel a public appearance amid her continuing health woes.

In a video message that was broadcast to attendees who had hoped to see her at Dollywood earlier this month, she revealed that medics forbid her from travelling to the attraction in Tennessee due to the 'few little health issues' she is currently dealing with.

However, she insisted that 'all is going well on the medical end of thing' and told her fans she 'likes to keep them all in the loop about everything going on with her'.

Parton told fans she was 'responding really well to meds and treatments' in a social media post back in May.

"I’m improving every day," she said. "Bad news is it’s gonna take me a little while before I’m up to stage performance level because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy-headed, as my grandma used to say.

"Of course I can’t be dizzy, carrying around banjos, guitars and such on five-inch heels. And you know that I’m gonna be wearing them!

"I’m doing really well, and they assure me that everything I have is treatable, so I’m going with that, and I just want you to know I thank you for standing by me and that I will always love you."

More to follow.