Dolly Parton was a country music icon, celebrated for her contributions to the music industry, her incredible confidence and unique sense of style (which ultimately made her an unintentional style icon), and her kindness, including creating her Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library. Hearts all over the world are breaking after the news of her death was announced on Tuesday, August 25. Parton was 80.
This is a look back at her life, from her younger years to her more recent times, and everything in between, as we reflect on a legend.
A Celebration of Dolly Parton’s Life
Parton’s death was reported by her nephew, Brian Seaver, who released a video statement on Parton’s official Instagram. “My name is Brian 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,” he said.
He continued, “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.”
Seaver added, “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.”
Parton inspired countless stars in the music industry, but she shared an especially close bond with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. “”I’m her honorary godmother,” Parton said in 2009, Woman’s World reports. “I’ve known her since she was a baby. Her father’s a friend of mine, and when she was born, he said, ‘You just have to be her godmother,’ and I said, ‘I accept.’ We never did a big ceremony, but I’m so proud of her, love her. And she’s just like one of my own.”
How Dolly Parton Wanted to Be Remembered
The “American Idol” guest mentor lived a beautiful, full life, and as tributes begin to pour in on social media, it is clear how much she was loved and how much she will be missed. She was not just a tremendous talent; she was a tremendous human being, donating millions to charity and helping with relief campaigns and conservation efforts, including the American Eagle Foundation in aid of the bald eagle.
GettyBut how did Parton want to be remembered? She shared this in an interview with The Independent, saying, “I want to be remembered as somebody who took her work serious, but not herself. Someone who brought books to children all over the world. For the fact that I managed to make a living doing something I love to do. And as a caring, giving, working girl.”
