Dolly Parton's cause of death revealed as music world erupts in tribute for country icon

You are about to be charged £0.00* *Your gift has been applied Thank you for subscribing! Dolly Parton's cause of death revealed as music world erupts in tribute for country icon The news came after it was revealed her music could be kept alive for decades to come thanks to a 'secret vault' Don't Miss Most Read Latest Dolly Parton's cause of death has been revealed, just hours after her team confirmed the country icon had died aged 80. On Tuesday, the 80-year-old died in Nashville following a health battle, her family confirmed in a video statement. In the early hours on Wednesday, it was revealed the country icon died following a "brief battle with cancer," according to People magazine. “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched," her team said in a statement to the outlet. "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. "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre surrounded by loved ones,” the statement concluded. The news came after it was revealed her music could be kept alive for decades to come thanks to a "secret vault" holding thousands of unreleased songs. The Tennessee-born star enjoyed a six-decade career after finding fame through some of the biggest hits in country music, such as Jolene, Islands in the Stream and 9-5. But fans of the "Queen of Country" could still be treated to more new hits for years after her death. Ms Parton previously revealed she had written thousands of songs that had never been released to the public. Dolly Parton's cause of death has been revealed |REUTERS In 2020, the singer said on her Dolly Parton’s America podcast: “I’ve got hundreds, hundreds, even thousands of songs - a big part of them have never even been recorded. “There’s enough stuff to go on forever with my music, to do compilation albums, to do new and original stuff. "I am purposely trying to put songs down for that very purpose, to have a click track and my vocals where any arrangement could be done. So I think ahead.” The 80-year-old continued: “Anybody could produce that. Anyone, any producer in the world - a hot shot producer, when I’m gone, they could take my songs, just the click track of my vocal, and build a complete arrangement around that. So that will go on forever.” Ms Parton had also stored away a special track at Dollywood - a theme park dedicated to the singer in her home state of Tennessee. The news came after it was revealed Dolly Parton's music could be kept alive for decades to come thanks to a 'secret vault' |REUTERS However, the song will not be heard for another 19 years. During an appearance on the "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon", she revealed the plans to release the track in 2045. The singer explained: “It would be a song that will never be heard until 30 years from the time we opened the resort. “They said, ‘You’ll be long dead.’ I said, ‘Well, maybe not. I’ll be 99. I’ve seen people live to be older than that'." Details of the 80-year-old's funeral have been revealed, with the ceremony consisting of “a small, private service for immediate family”, her publicity team told Page Six. According to TMZ, Ms Parton will be buried in her signature heels and laid to rest beside her late husband, Carl Dean, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum. LATEST MUSIC HEADLINES FROM GB NEWS: Floral tributes have started piling up on Dolly Parton's Hollywood Walk of Fame star after her death |REUTERS President Donald Trump announced that American flags will be flown at half-mast across the US for seven days following her death. In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump called Ms Parton "one of the greatest country singers, and far beyond, EVER," declaring her passing "a true loss for millions of people." He ordered the lowering of flags to begin at 6pm on Tuesday evening. "There has never been anyone like her, and never will," the President wrote, adding: "Rest in Peace, Dolly! The world loves you." Barack Obama joined tributes on Wednesday morning after the icon's cause of death was confirmed. In a tribute posted to his Instagram, Mr Trump's predecessor wrote: “It is hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. “Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammy and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and – as if that wasn’t enough helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna Covid vaccine. What a life. “Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans.” Mr Trump called Ms Parton 'one of the greatest country singers, and far beyond, EVER' |REUTERS President Donald Trump announced that American flags will be flown at half-mast across the US for seven days following her death |REUTERS Sir Paul McCartney paid tribute to the country star in a heartfelt post on Instagram describing Parton as a “magnificent star” and “wonderful woman” who he met at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, country music’s most well-known venue and where Dolly Parton first appeared at age 13. Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger honoured the singer in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram including a photograph of the pair together. He said: “What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much.” "Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly's passing," Sir Elton John said on Instagram. He said Ms Parton was "a giant of an artist - unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart." Jane Fonda, who co-starred alongside Parton in the film 9 to 5 in the 1980s, says she was "devastated" by the news. "I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this - more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever. Beyonce - who covered Jolene on her 2024 album Cowboy Carter - paid tribute to the country music legend, saying in a statement: "I'm honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world." Taylor Swift, who broke Parton's record as the youngest musician inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, said a world without the singer "doesn't feel possible, real, or right". In a statement to People, she said: "She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted. "Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist." Canadian singer Celine Dion described Parton as "pure light", writing on social media: "We will now be missing one of the most joyful voices this world has ever known." Billy Joel paid his respects on behalf of his family saying the world had lost a "legend" as he recognised her philanthropic work. "Our children looked up to her and knew her music. The love for Dolly spanned generations. Her work in acknowledging endometriosis before most people knew what it was, and her philanthropic efforts have been inspirational to our family and our foundation," he said. Sir Tom Jones said the Tennessee-native had an "angelic but powerful voice with vast influence on generations to come", adding that she was a "wonderful and generous person". Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter