Country music legend Dolly Parton died at the age of 80 peacefully at her home in Nashville, Tennessee, on Aug. 25, according to a news release from True Public Relations and a video message shared by her family. Her death follows weeks after she missed an event at Dollywood citing health issues.
Family Announcement and Final Wishes
The news was shared across social media via a video message featuring Bryan Seaver, Parton’s nephew and the son of her sister Cassie Parton, who also served as her head of security for more than two decades. According to Seaver, Parton had hand-selected him years ago to deliver the announcement.
Seaver shared intimate details of Parton’s final wishes and perspective on her career. “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,” Seaver stated, as covered by WVLT. The family statement also highlighted her agrarian roots, noting that just like her father who farmed the soil, Parton “farmed songs and happiness.”
A Legacy of Music, Family, and Philanthropy
Born on Jan. 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Parton built a legacy as a singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and established herself as a pillar of the East Tennessee community, notably through her theme park, Dollywood, and her extensive philanthropic efforts.
Throughout her life, Parton maintained close ties to her large family, serving as a pillar of support for her siblings and relatives. “Dolly opened doors not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible,” Seaver said. Beyond her family, the family’s statement emphasized her immense cultural footprint, noting that she became an extended part of households worldwide through her television appearances, records, CDs, and digital playlists.
Parton is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Dean, who died in 2025, as well as her parents. Surviving family members and the team entrusted with her legacy have pledged to work diligently to ensure her spirit and artistic legacy live on permanently.
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