Dolly Parton, the legendary country music singer, songwriter and actress whose career spanned more than six decades, has died at 80.
Parton’s head of security Bryan Seaver announced her death Tuesday, Aug. 25, on Instagram. The announcement comes less than a week after the country icon continued to speak publicly about her health and future plans.
Parton was also his aunt.
“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 in the video. “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.”
The Sad Annoucment
“I It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he added.
He also spoke about Parton’s life.
“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countess other who have watched her and longe for her to meet them in the heavens.”
Seaver also remembered when he first went on the road with his aunt.
“I first went on the road with Dolly as a kid, getting a taste of the road life in the early 1980s. Dolly opened doors not just for me but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible. Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent,” he added. “By her example, we believed that anything is possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.”
Parton leaves behind one of the most celebrated careers in music. Her catalog includes some of country music’s most recognizable songs, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
The news is particularly unexpected following Parton’s recent updates about her health.
Earlier this month, she was unable to attend the opening of a new attraction at Dollywood in person after her doctor advised her not to travel because she was experiencing dizziness and dehydration. She instead appeared in a video for the event.
Tributes Pour In
As the news of Parton’s passing spreads, many fans are taking to social media to remember the country icon.
“My heart is broken. Oh my gosh,” one fan wrote.
“Gosh this is heartbreaking x We need kind, caring & charitable souls like hers in the world more than ever right now. 80 seems so young when its such a vibrant & colourful character. So sad!!,” another added.
Others expressed that we should celebrate her legacy.
“She had such a gravitas around death and dying. Today should be nothing but celebrating her incredible legacy,” one noted.
