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Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, and her nephew Bryan Seaver shared a heartfelt video informing fans of the sad news Tuesday.
“Hey everyone, my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean — sister, sis, aunt, granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.”
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” he continued. “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 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,” he shared. “Surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens. I first went on the road as 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 pointed out. “By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open and the doors she opened made and changed history.”
“My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you,” he added. “She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family, whether you liked it or not. Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.”
The message concluded, “Dolly was a farmer just like her Daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest. Rest in peace aunt dolly. Aunt Granny. Gigi. May God Bless Dolly Parton and may got bless you all. She will always love you.”
The official press release on her death also reads, “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.”
The press release continued, “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. 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.”
The latest news on music icon Dolly Parton’s death at 80
Per the press release, at Parton’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family.
“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,” it concluded. “In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.”
Parton had been dealing with health issues in the months before her death. In her final interview with People Friday, she noted that her recent struggles stemmed from not “pay[ing] attention” while “watching over” her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean.
Dean died in March 2025 at 82, nearly 59 years into the couple’s ultra-private marriage.
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