Dolly Parton ‘hospitalised days before death’
The country music legend was reportedly admitted to a Nashville hospital five days before her death.
Dolly Parton is said to have been hospitalised with kidney and autoimmune issues five days before her death aged 80.
The country music icon was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, last week, TMZ has reported, before news of Dolly’s passing emerged on Tuesday (25.08.26.)
In her final interview, Dolly admitted to People she had been battling “health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to” when she was looking after her late husband Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at age 82.
Meanwhile, Dolly’s celebrity friends, fellow musicians and famous fans have paid emotional tribute to the country music legend following her death – with Sir Elton John describing the star as “unique and irreplaceable” as messages poured in from around the world.
The tributes poured in online after Dolly’s nephew Bryan Seaver announced the news on her social media accounts, while tributes quickly came from the worlds of music, film, television and politics.
The singer’s husband Carl Dean died aged 82 in March 2025 after almost 60 years of marriage.
Bryan said: “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.”
Dolly became one of the defining figures in country music through songs including Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, I Will Always Love You and 9 to 5, while selling more than 100 million records.
She also starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5.
Sir Elton John shared his reaction on Instagram Stories.
Elton said: “Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing.
“A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.”
Priscilla Presley recalled the deeply personal connection Dolly’s I Will Always Love You had to her marriage to Elvis Presley, who died aged 42.
Priscilla said: “I am so saddened to hear of the passing of the incomparable Dolly Parton.
“Dolly brought so much joy, kindness and beautiful music into this world. I will always remember our conversations, and especially the connection we shared through a song that holds such a personal place in my heart – I Will Always Love You.
“After Elvis and I left the courthouse following our divorce, he sang that song to me as we walked down the steps together. Years later, I shared that memory with Dolly.”
Khloé Kardashian, who celebrated her 40th birthday with a Dollywood-themed party and later interviewed Dolly for her Khloé in Wonder Land podcast, also posted a lengthy tribute.
Khloé said: “Some people are so extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people.
“A once-in-a-lifetime soul. A woman whose light, heart, talent and humanity changed this world forever.”
She added: “What an astronomical human being. What a legacy. What a loss. There will never be another Dolly.”
Kelly Osbourne wrote online: “There will never be another Dolly Parton.”
Kelly added: “Dolly, thank you for paving the way. Not only for women in music, but for women everywhere to be unapologetically themselves.”
Further tributes came from across country music, including Dolly’s longtime friend Reba McEntire.
Reba and Dolly collaborated during their careers, including on a 2021 version of Does He Love You, and appeared together when Dolly guest-starred in Reba’s sitcom Reba.
Lily, Dolly’s 9 to 5 co-star, posted simply: “No words…(broken heart emoji.)”
Dionne Warwick, Kacey Musgraves, Jamie Lee Curtis and other entertainment figures also publicly remembered the singer.
