Parton’s death was announced late on Tuesday via an Instagram video by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as the singer’s head of security.
LOS ANGELES: Country music star Dolly Parton died after a “brief battle with cancer,” PA Media/dpa reported, citing her publicist.
In a statement to media outlets, her publicist Marcel Pariseau said: “After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre surrounded by loved ones.”
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The musician was best known for her genre-defining hits including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You, and Jolene.
The statement continued: “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.
“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.
The type of cancer has not been disclosed.
Parton’s death was announced late on Tuesday via an Instagram video by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as the singer’s head of security.
Seaver said it was “an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness” to share the news of her death, adding: “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 to meet her in the heavens.”
Parton’s husband Carl Dean died last year.
Flags will be lowered throughout America in Parton’s honour, President Donald Trump announced, posting on Truth Social “there has never been anyone like her”.
