Country music legend Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80 after a short battle with cancer. Her family said she died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones.

The information was released after Dolly Parton’s health unexpectedly deteriorated. According to her family, loved ones were quick to be by the singer’s side during her final hours. However, the type of cancer she had was not disclosed.

In a statement sent to People magazine, the family emphasized that Dolly Parton dedicated much of her life to bringing joy, laughter, and hope to the public. Beyond her success on stage, she was also known for her many impactful philanthropic activities.

Dolly Parton’s legacy is not measured solely by her string of hit songs. Through her Imagination Library program, the artist contributed to bringing books to children in many countries. She also supported scientific research, including contributions related to the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.

According to People, Dolly Parton was hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on August 21st due to health issues. Previous reports indicated she was still recovering and continuing her work, making the subsequent tragic news all the more of a shock to her family and fans.

Dolly Parton’s nephew, Brian Seaver, announced her passing on behalf of the family through a video on social media. He fulfilled the artist’s wish, which she had expressed many years prior.

Seaver said he had worked as Dolly Parton’s bodyguard for over two decades and had heard from her about how she wanted her family to break the sad news when the day came. While he understood this moment would eventually arrive, he admitted he was still unprepared for the feeling of loss.

In her granddaughter’s memory, Dolly Parton retained her sense of humor even when talking about death. She once joked that after years of wearing heavy jewelry, she deserved to rest in a soft bed.

Born in Tennessee, Dolly Parton became one of the most influential figures in American country music. She made her mark with songs like “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5,” and expanded her activities into film, business, and philanthropy.

Dolly Parton’s decades-long career has allowed her to transcend the boundaries of a country singer and become an American cultural icon. Her compositions have been covered by generations of artists, while her image as a female artist with a distinctive style continues to influence popular culture.

In accordance with Dolly Parton’s wishes, her family plans to hold a private funeral attended by close friends and family. The family is also urging fans to donate to the Imagination Library, a charity with a long history associated with her name, instead of sending flowers.

For fans, Dolly Parton’s passing marks the end of a special chapter in American music. But the songs, stories, and community work she left behind are expected to continue bringing Dolly Parton’s name to generations to come.