Dolly Parton tragically passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday, August 25, her family announced.
“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,” Parton’s nephew shared in a video message. “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. 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.”
He added, “My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly. But so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD and on your phone’s playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not.”
Dolly’s Funeral Wishes
Prior to her death, the “I Will Always Love You” artist expressed her wishes to her family.
“At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family,” the Parton family shared on Tuesday. “Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com.”
The statement continued, “In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.”
The beloved country singer also revealed which song she wanted played at her private funeral.
“I”m sure they’ll be playing ‘I Will Always Love You’ when I die, just like they did with Whitney Houston,” Parton told Entertainment Weekly in 2014. “When they picked her coffin up and started in on that song, I started to cry, and I thought, ‘Oh my Lord.’ That’s when it hit me that she was really gone.”
However, per Dolly’s wishes, “If We Never Meet Again” will be played when the family says their goodbyes.
“It’s an old country-gospel church song that talks about if we never meet again this side of heaven, I will meet you on that beautiful shore,” she explained. “Where the charming roses bloom forever and where separations come no more.”
Dolly Parton’s Obituary
Parton’s family shared a short obituary for her extraordinary life, calling her a “global icon and humanitarian.”
“Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old,” the statement, which was shared via Instagram, read.
“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience,” the family added. “With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in 2025.
