Dolly Parton, Legendary US Country Singer, Dies Aged 80

• Dolly Parton, the renowned singer-songwriter, passed away at the age of 80.
• Carl Thomas Dean, Parton’s spouse of almost 60 years, passed away in March 2025.
• Parton’s career spanned decades and included Grammy awards, film roles, and, later in life, a musical inspired by her life called Dolly.

Dolly Parton, a legendary singer-songwriter and icon of country music, passed away on August 25 at the age of 80.

The following day, Bryan Seaver, her nephew, shared the news in an Instagram video.

In the video, he states, “My name is Bryan 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.” Dolly requested me to make this video announcement years ago, but I didn’t really comprehend it as a future reality at the time. I have imagined the weight of this moment, but I haven’t really felt it until now, having served as her head of security for more than 20 years—a position my father Larry held before me.

“It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,” Seaver continued. However, we are the ones who are sad, not Dolly. Carl, Dolly’s parents, and innumerable others who have observed her and yearned to meet her in the heavens have undoubtedly met Dolly, who has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.

In the early 1980s, I went on my first road trip with Dolly as a child to experience what it’s like to live on the road. Dolly made it possible for me and her whole family to realise our unrealised potential. In the video statement, Seaver continued, “Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent.” We thought that everything was achievable because of her example. The doors she opened created and altered history, and she never saw a door that she couldn’t open.

“My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you,” he said. Whether you liked it or not, she became an extended member of your family because she was always on your phone, CD, record player, and television. To guarantee that her spirit will always be with us, our family and the group she has entrusted with her legacy will put in great effort. Like her father, Dolly was a farmer; she farmed joy and music, while he farmed the land. Dolly told me over the phone that she finally deserves to be comfortable and get some rest after wearing bulky rhinestones her entire life. She wanted to sleep in a lovely bed made of soft cotton.

“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly — Aunt, Granny, Gigi,” Seaver concluded his remarks. God bless you all and Dolly Parton. She will cherish you forever.