The final message Dolly Parton sent to fans has resurfaced, following the country singer’s death.
Parton died aged 80, mere days after telling the world that she still had ‘so many things’ that she wanted to achieve.
The Jolene singer was dealing with several health issues prior to her passing, but the announcement came as a shock to fans.
Over the years, the Tennessee native became an icon in the industry, with her unique voice and aesthetic standing out in particular at shows.
Days before her family released a heartbreaking statement announcing her passing, Parton spoke at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Honors, where she was honored for her large body of work spanning six decades.
The country icon spoke from the heart on August 19 at The Pinnacle in Nashville, Tennessee.
Parton tragically passed away on Tuesday (August 25). Credit: John Lamparski / Getty
Dolly Parton’s heartfelt message to fans
After being recognized with the ACM Poet’s Award for her lyrical and musical impact on the country genre, Parton accepted the honor virtually because she couldn’t attend in person.
She said to both the Academy and her fans: “You know, I’ve been able to do many things throughout my life, but at my core, songwriting has always been the most important part of who I am creatively,
Every dream I ever had and all the dreams that I’ve been able to see come true in life, well, they all started with a song.
“Songwriting has been my therapy; songwriting has been my release, my joy. Songwriting has been a gift from God that has allowed me to touch people with words and music,” she concluded.
Parton had made several virtual appearances this year, candidly admitting to fans that she was battling some health issues – the ACM Awards tribute was her last full message to her loyal fanbase.
The artist’s publicist revealed in a statement hours following her death that she passed away following a “brief battle with cancer,” as per Sky.
Marcel Pariseau further said that she ‘departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones’.
The statement detailed that Parton ‘spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched.’
He also paid tribute to the artist’s ‘unmatched generosity’ in her philanthropic work, which included books donated via her Imagination Library, while she also funded research that helped develop the COVID-19 vaccine.
Parton’s death came after a battle with cancer, according to her publicist. Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty/SXSW
Statement from Parton’s family
In an Instagram video, her nephew Brian Seaver confirmed the news, stating: “My name is Brin Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.
“As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.”
The statement continues: “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.
“But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. 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.”
