Dolly Partons health battles as icon dies at 80

Beloved American icon and country music legend Dolly Parton is dead at 80.Her family announced the devastating news in a video posted to Instagram Tuesday.“Hey everyone, my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton and I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean,” the statement said.The update comes just days after the “9 to 5” star shared an update on her ongoing health problems.“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,” Parton told fans on Friday, August.21, speaking of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in March 2025 at age 82.In May, the “Jolene” singer suddenly announced that she was dealing with “health challenges” that required her to postponed her first Las Vegas residency in more than 30 years.Though famously private about parts of her personal life, Parton has been open about several health challenges she’s faced in the past.

Here’s a look at the medical issues she’s endured as fans mourn her passing.In 1982, Parton was forced to cancel a tour due to severe abdominal pain and bleeding.

Later, she was diagnosed with endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects 1 in 10 women worldwide.Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing intense pelvic pain — especially during menstrual periods — and can lead to fertility issues.To manage her symptoms, Parton underwent a partial hysterectomy in 1985 at the age of 36, during which her entire uterus and part of her cervix were removed, according to an interview with Closer Weekly.The procedure left her unable to carry children.Parton has been candid about the emotional spiral she fell into following her endometriosis diagnosis, surgery and the painful realization that she wouldn’t be able to have biological children.“Suddenly...