Dolly Parton, Tennessee country music legend and American Icon has passed away at 80 years old. Her family confirmed her death in a heartfelt message published to Parton’s official Facebook account on August 25th, 2026.
Dolly’s nephew addressed her fans in a direct message on her social media page. “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.”
He continued, stating that it was Dolly’s wish Seaver would take on the responsibility of providing this statement upon her passing. “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.”
Seaver added: “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 for her to meet them in the heavens.”
He Praised Her For Uplifting Her Whole Family
As Seaver continued with his eulogy, he lauded Dolly’s ability to improve the lives of those around her. “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.”
He went on: “Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life. And across every continent. 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.”
Following this, he went on to comment on the impact Dolly had on the legions of fans she entertained for decades. “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 playlist. Becoming an extended part of your family, whether you liked it or not.”
Seaver also mentioned that her estate is prioritizing the preservation of her body of work. “Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently. To ensure her spirit will live with us forever.”
Dolly Parton’s Roots
He added that while Parton was known for being a musician and actress, where she came from greatly influenced her life. And the significance of who she was at its core, can’t be ignored. “Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil. She farmed songs and happiness.”
As for her end of life preferences, Seaver shared a snippet of Dolly’s final request. And it’s one that carried the singer’s trademark humor. “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. Gig. May God bless Dolly Parton and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
At the end of her address, is a black and white picture of the singer. Beside it a line from one of her most famous tracks: “I will always love you,” appended with her iconic signature.
Dolly Parton’s Career Is Impossible To Summarize
To briefly rattle off Parton’s accomplishments doesn’t do justice to her cultural impact. An embodiment of American poise, class, and graciousness, Parton knew exactly where she came from. And she highlighted those traits to present herself in the best way possible.
And she never failed to make an impression. Those who worked with the talent had nothing but wonderful anecdotes to share of her. Julia Roberts shared how Parton deftly humbled her with an artful comment while filming Steel Magnolias. The young actress recalled complaining about being in the heat. To which Parton replied: “When I was a little girl, I wanted to be famous and I wanted to be rich. And now I’m both those things; I’m not going to complain about it.”
This one snippet is an example of Parton’s gratitude and grounded-nature that was at the heart of her larger than life persona. She also garnered fans by unapologetically defending her love of femininity. Again, displaying an artfulness in doing so in a 1977 interview with Barbara Walters.
During their conversation, Walters asked Parton of her grandiose outfits and personality: “Do you feel like you’re a joke? That people make fun of you?”
To which Parton replied, “Oh I know they make fun of me. But all these years the people have thought the joke was on me, but it’s actually on them.”
In other portions of the interview, Parton explained that her garish outfits were a means of garnering attention. But the attention-grabbing wasn’t just for easy shock value. Rather, that she had genuine qualities and musical talent she believed in. And knew would resonate with audiences.
That interview was conducted in 1977. And nearly 50 years later, it turns out Dolly was right. Rest in peace to Dolly Parton. Ultra News gives it condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones.
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