Dolly Parton Death

Dolly Parton's death came as a sudden and unexpected shock to those closest to her ... even though people in her inner circle knew she had been sick ... TMZ has learned.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... when loved ones learned Dolly had been hospitalized last week and wasn't doing well, they began rushing to Nashville to be by her side.

Sadly, we're told some of the people who hoped to see Dolly one last time did not make it in time.

11:34 AM -- TMZ has learned Dolly was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville on early Friday morning with kidney and autoimmune issues.

We're told Dolly died in the hospital this morning.

Dolly Parton -- the country music icon behind some of the biggest songs ever recorded -- has died.

Her head of security announced her death Tuesday on Instagram.

We're told Dolly died in the last couple of hours in Nashville.

The cause of death is unclear, but Dolly told PEOPLE on Friday that she was "dealing with some health issues."

Dolly Parton's loved ones are already making plans to honor the country music legend following her death ... TMZ has learned.

Family sources tell TMZ ... a small ceremony is being planned in Nashville in the coming days. We're told the gathering is expected to be intimate, with Dolly's closest family and loved ones coming together to celebrate her remarkable life and legacy.

Our sources say there are no solidified plans yet for a public funeral or celebration of life ... though it's still early.

Dolly Parton's beloved theme park, Dollywood, will open the day after her tragic passing ... with park staff saying it's what she would've wanted.

The amusement park released a statement after Dolly died Tuesday ... announcing the gates will open on Wednesday -- writing that Dolly lived by the motto "the show must go on."

Dollywood's reps add they're mourning Dolly -- whose title for Dollywood was "Dreamer-in-Chief" ... while Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton said helping Dolly bring her dreams to life in the form of Dollywood was his "greatest privilege."

Tributes are pouring in for Dolly Parton following the legend's death ... with stars from across entertainment sharing their heartbreak.

Kacey Musgraves was among the first to react, posting several emotional messages Tuesday, including, "Dolly. 💔 This really really hurts."

She later wrote, "The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden" ... and referenced Dolly's late husband, Carl Dean, saying, "So glad she's with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today."

Donald Trump has announced a national mourning period for Dolly Parton ... ordering American flags to be lowered for one week.

POTUS jumped on Truth Social to pay tribute to Dolly after her sudden death Tuesday ... writing, "There has never been anyone like her, and never will."

Trump then announced that -- beginning at 6 PM Tuesday -- American flags across the country should be lowered to honor her legacy.

Reba McEntire is saying goodbye to her longtime friend Dolly Parton ... sharing a deeply personal tribute after learning of the country icon's death.

Reba wrote Dolly had "passed onto the higher and greater side" ... thanking her for everything she gave the world through her music, love, and "huge huge heart."

She added, "There will never ever be another you" ... saying fans will cherish every memory and every note Dolly ever sang.