Country music legend Dolly Parton, known for her iconic hits and philanthropic work, has died at the age of 80. Her death was confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an Instagram video posted Tuesday.
Parton died Tuesday morning after being admitted to Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Friday for autoimmune and kidney problems, according to TMZ.
Her passing comes after months of declining health that led her to withdraw from several public appearances. In an interview published just four days prior to her death, Parton expressed a desire to continue working and achieving goals, noting that she had been dealing with unspecified health issues while caring for her husband, Carl Dean.
Seaver, who also served as Parton's head of security, shared that his aunt had requested to rest in a "beautiful bed of plush cotton" after a career spent in "heavy rhinestones."
"Dolly, you gave me my first YES. One of the very first to believe in me. This will always be a highlight of my lifetime," wrote actress Amber Davies, who starred as Judy Bernly in the West End production of "9 to 5 The Musical." Davies shared that meeting Parton in preparation for the 2019 show was "a highlight of my lifetime" and paid tribute to the singer, saying, "The world will not be the same without you. From the entire world, Thank you @dollyparton."
Davies' role in the musical was inspired by the 1980 film of the same name, which starred Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin. Parton also earned an Oscar nomination for the film's theme song.
Seaver remembered his aunt as someone who "lived in the light" and is now "in the arms of Jesus," reunited with her late husband, parents, and others in heaven. He recalled joining Parton on tour in the 1980s, stating that she "opened doors not just for me but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn't even know was possible."
Parton, often referred to as the Queen of Country, enjoyed a career spanning six decades, with notable hits including "Jolene" and "9 to 5." Her family plans to hold a private service in Nashville in the coming days.