As country music queen Dolly Parton has died, it was belatedly confirmed that she had been secretly battling cancer during her lifetime.
On the 26th (local time), U.S. entertainment outlets such as Page Six reported that Dolly Parton's cause of death was revealed and that she had been secretly fighting cancer before her death at the age of 80.
Dolly Parton's associates said in a statement, "After bravely fighting cancer for a short time, Dolly passed away today at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones," but they did not specify what type of cancer it was.
They added, "Beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and authenticity to everything she touched," and "Her unparalleled generosity reached the lives of countless people she would never meet, and yet she was always there to offer a helping hand."
They also added, "Whether it was donating hundreds of millions of books through her Imagination Library or funding research that helped develop life-saving vaccines used around the world, Dolly's unconditional love for everyone was the driving force behind the lasting impact she left on the world."
Earlier, Dolly Parton's nephew and longtime head of security, Brian Siver, announced on social media that Dolly Parton died on Aug. 25. It was reported that Parton had been hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, five days before her death for kidney and autoimmune issues.
As Dolly Parton's death prompted tributes from music fans and fellow stars worldwide, Buckingham Palace reportedly offered a fitting royal tribute. At the Changing of the Guard ceremony held the day after Parton's death, the band played Dolly Parton's hit "9 to 5," and King Charles also shared video of the moving moment on social media.
The royal family paid tribute, saying, "We remember the great, late Dolly, who, among other things, gifted books free to millions of children through her Imagination Library and brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many people. We will always love you."
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Dolly Parton official SNS.
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