The ‘Queen of Country’ Dolly Parton has sadly passed away at the age of 80.
The legendary performer’s tragic death was announced by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, in a poignant post shared on social media Tuesday (25 August).
Famed for her incredible charm and extraordinary hits including ‘9 to 5’, ‘Jolene’ and ‘Here You Come Again’, tributes have been pouring in for the music star after the sad news broke.
Paying tribute to his beloved Aunt Dolly, Seaver explained that she had requested that he took on the task of announcing her death when the time eventually came.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” he said in the emotional footage.
“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 honour, an honour 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 for her to meet them in the heavens,” his statement said.
Seaver went on: “Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent.
“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. She has always been your television, your record player, your CD, 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.
“Dolly was a farmer just like her Daddy, he farmed the soil, she farmed song and happiness.
“Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton, because after a life of 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 God bless you all. She will always love you.”
Dolly’s husband of more than six decades, Carl Dean, passed away at the age of 82 in March 2025.
In a statement shared on X, she said at the time: “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
The late 10-time Grammy winner has been battling a number of unknown health issues in recent months, which forced her to cancel a public appearance at Dollywood in early August.
In a video message, she told those who had gathered to see her that medics forbid her from travelling to the attraction in Tennessee due to the ‘few little health issues’ she is currently dealing with.
However, she insisted that ‘all is going well on the medical end of thing’ and told her fans she ‘likes to keep them all in the loop about everything going on with her’.
While explaining the reason for her absence, Dolly noted that she was still in Nashville and was told she couldn’t make the journey to the city of Pigeon Forge, where Dollywood is located, by her doctor.
“I’m supposed to be there in person, like we planned,” Parton said in the video message, before revealing she was ‘dehydrated’.
“That’s why I’m here, because my little butterfly wings are getting kinda tired,” Dolly said in the clip.
“Now I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I have had a few little health issues. And sometimes I get a little dizzy, and I get dehydrated. And I’m dehydrated.
“And so my Nashville doctor clipped my wings, saying you ain’t travelling this week. So I guess if your doctor tells you you ain’t travelling this week, you ain’t travelling this week.”
Parton told fans she was ‘responding really well to meds and treatments’ in a social media post back in May.
“I’m improving every day,” she said. “Bad news is it’s gonna take me a little while before I’m up to stage performance level because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy-headed, as my grandma used to say.
“Of course I can’t be dizzy, carrying around banjos, guitars and such on five-inch heels. And you know that I’m gonna be wearing them!
“I’m doing really well, and they assure me that everything I have is treatable, so I’m going with that, and I just want you to know I thank you for standing by me and that I will always love you.”
Among her famous songs was the hit I Will Always Love You, which she penned as a farewell to Porter Wagoner, who had helped her land a record deal.
Whitney Houston went on to record a cover for The Bodyguard film, which topped charts.
Her song Jolene, released in 1974, is considered one of country music’s greatest songs, with Beyonce covering it on her 2024 album Cowboy Carter.
A statement released by her team following her death said: “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. 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.”
