Dolly Parton tragically passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday, Aug. 25, and although she had been dealing with prior health issues, her family was shocked by her sudden death, TMZ reports.
Sources familiar with the situation told the outlet that Parton’s loved ones found out about her hospitalization last week and knew that she wasn’t doing well. They began rushing to Nashville to be by her side, but TMZ further reports that some who hoped to see Dolly one last time did not make it in time.
Dolly died Tuesday morning at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, after she was admitted on Friday, Aug. 21, with kidney and autoimmune issues. Parton’s health issues recently have included immune-system and digestive issues, kidney stones, and medication-related problems.
Dolly Parton Spoke About Her Heath Just 4 Days Before her Death
GettyParton shared a health update on Friday, Aug. 21.
“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl. You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” Parton told PEOPLE.
“But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”
Billy Ray Cyrus Pays Tribute To Dolly Parton
Following news of her passing, Billy Ray Cyrus posted a heartfelt and emotional tribute on Instagram.
“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms,” he wrote. “In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, “Honey, this trash sells records!”
“Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will.”
