Some artists are part of our lives for so many decades that their deaths can feel surprisingly personal. New details about their final days can therefore resonate far beyond their most devoted fans.
New information has now emerged about Dolly Parton's illness. Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet, citing US media reports and Parton's spokesperson Marcel Pariseau, reported details about the period leading up to the country icon's death.
Short cancer battle
Parton died Tuesday at the age of 80. According to the information attributed to her representative, she had undergone a brief battle with cancer.
The specific type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed. Parton spent her final days at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, where she died with loved ones by her side.
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A lasting legacy
Parton's influence extended far beyond the music that made her one of country music's most recognizable stars.
Her philanthropic work included the Imagination Library, an initiative that has distributed books to children. She also provided substantial financial support for medical research and healthcare projects.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Parton donated $1 million to research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The funding supported research connected to the development of Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine.
Helping children
Parton also directed significant support toward children's health. Ekstra Bladet reported that she previously donated $1 million to a pediatric cancer unit, a cause that had a personal connection to her family.
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She later backed research involving childhood infections and illnesses, including work benefiting children affected by cancer.
Her connection to children's healthcare continued into 2026, when a hospital in Tennessee was renamed in her honor.
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This article is made and published by Mie Hermansen, who may have used AI in the preparation.