New details emerge about Dolly Parton’s secret hospital visit days before death

The world is mourning the sudden loss of music legend Dolly Parton as new details of her final days come to light.

Country icon Parton died at the age of 80 on the morning of Tuesday, August 25, a heartbreaking piece of news which was announced in a statement from her family on social media.

It has now emerged that the Jolene singer was taken to the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville on Friday, 21 August with kidney and autoimmune issues, reports PEOPLE.

Parton had told PEOPLE on Friday that she was "dealing with some health issues."

Parton's representatives then confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE that she had died, after being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, in the same hospital she was admitted to four days earlier.

“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” the statement read.

“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.

"After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones."

Those closest to Dolly shocked at sudden death

The late 10-time Grammy winner had been battling a number of unknown health issues in recent months, which forced her to cancel a public appearance at Dollywood in early August.

Despite Parton's problems, TMZ reports that her death still came as a 'sudden and unexpected shock' tho those nearest and dearest to her.

Carl Dean, Parton's husband for 58 years and partner for much longer, died at the age of 82 in March 2025.

In a statement shared on X, she said at the time: "Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."

Tributes for Parton have been flooding in, including from the likes of Eminem, who shared a never-before-seen note she sent him.

Family statement on Dolly Parton's death

Parton's tragic death was announced by Bryan Seaver, her nephew and head of security, in a video message shared to social media.

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

"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.

"Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens."

Seaver went on to pride the music icon for the incredible impact she made during a long and illustrious career.

He continued: "Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent.

"She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.

"My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you. She has always been your television, your record player, your CD, becoming an extended part of your family. Whether you liked it or not.

"Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.

"Dolly was a farmer just like her Daddy, he farmed the soil, she farmed song and happiness.

"Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton, because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.

"Rest in Peace Aunt Dolly. Aunt Granny. Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton and may God bless you all. She will always love you."