• She died at 80 years old
  • She revealed her plans beforehand
  • Her nephew announced her death

Dolly Parton died at 80 years old after facing persistent health issues that recently limited some of her activities.

The news was announced this Tuesday, August 25, by her nephew Brin Seaver, who assured that the artist herself had prepared for this moment years ago.

Dolly Parton and Her Final Words Before Dying

Days before her death, Parton had spoken publicly about her health and, despite the difficulties, conveyed a message marked by optimism.

«I still have many things I want to achieve,» the singer told People magazine just four days before her death was announced.

Why it matters: Her words took on special meaning after her death, as they showed that Parton was still making plans while facing health issues.

Parton Spoke About Her Health Days Before Dying

Early in August, Parton canceled a scheduled appearance in Hollywood after her doctor recommended that she not travel due to her health issues.

However, the singer later made it clear that she was still active and had not abandoned her professional projects despite the recovery process.

«Seriously, although I’m still recovering, I’m still working,» Parton said as she publicly explained how she was facing that moment.

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The performer also acknowledged that in recent years, she had dedicated a significant amount of attention to caring for her husband, Carl Thomas Dean.

Dean died in March 2025, about a year and a half before the death of the country music star.

Parton also recalled that this was not the first time she had faced health difficulties during her extensive artistic career.

The singer mentioned a complicated period in the early 1980s, when she was «depressed for several months due to female problems.»

She also noted that social media had significantly changed the way celebrities’ personal problems were observed and disseminated.

Dolly Parton Still Had New Projects

Dolly Parton and her final words before dying
Dolly Parton and her final words before dying. Photo Efe

Even while recovering, the performer of «Jolene» and «9 to 5» continued to explore possibilities to stay close to her fans.

Before her death, she revealed that she was analyzing a new way to go on tour using companies that specialize in developing presentations with avatars.

Parton acknowledged that the project was still in its early stages and did not provide details on when it could be finalized.

Her plans reinforced the message she left a few days before her death: she still considered that she had objectives pending completion.

«I used to joke that I was the queen of the tabloids, but now I suppose I can say that I’m the queen of AI on social media!,» she commented.

The artist maintained the tone that characterized many of her public appearances, even when speaking directly about the difficulties she faced.

Her career had begun decades ago, with the release of her first album, «Hello, I’m Dolly,» in 1967.

Born in Pittman Center, Tennessee, in 1946, Parton went on to become the best-selling female country music artist of all time.

Her Nephew Revealed a Final Request from Dolly Parton

Brin Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, was in charge of publicly announcing the death through a video posted on Instagram.

Seaver explained that he represented the Parton and Owens families in announcing the death of his aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, according to the Mirror portal.

In addition to the family connection, Seaver assured that he had worked as Parton’s head of security for over two decades, a position previously held by his father, Larry.

According to Seaver, it was not a coincidence that he appeared in front of the cameras to deliver one of the most difficult news items for the family.

«This video announcement is something that Dolly asked me to do years ago, before I fully grasped it as a future reality,» he said.

Seaver acknowledged that he had previously thought about what it would mean to face that moment, although he assured that the reality turned out to be different.

«I had imagined the significance of this moment, but I hadn’t really felt it until now,» he expressed as he announced her death.

Thus, Parton’s words spoken just four days before her death remained as one of her last public messages: she still wanted to work and had projects to complete.