Dolly Parton, the legendary music icon, has passed away at the age of 80. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the somber news with fans through an emotional video tribute.
Seaver, who served as Parton’s long-time head of security, introduced the video on Tuesday with the caption, “A message from the family of Dolly Parton.”
“Hello everyone, I’m Bryan Seaver, the son of Cassie Parton, bringing news from the Parton and Owens family,” he began. “Today, I announce the passing of my beloved Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. To us, she was a sister, a cherished ‘Sis,’ and known as ‘Granny’ or ‘Gigi’ to different generations.”
Continuing with a reflective tone, Seaver said, “Years ago, Dolly requested of me to share this message when the time came, long before I could comprehend this eventuality. For over two decades, I had the honor of overseeing her security—a responsibility my father, Larry, once held. I had envisioned the weight of this moment, yet did not truly understand it until this day. It is a privilege mingled with immense pride and profound sadness. But our sorrow remains here, while Dolly moves beyond.”
Paying tribute to her legacy, he added, “Dolly lived her life in the light and is now embraced by Jesus. Surely, she is reunited with Carl, her parents, and many others who eagerly awaited her in heaven. My journey with Dolly began as a child, experiencing life on the road in the early 1980s. She not only opened doors for me but inspired our entire family to reach heights we never imagined 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.”
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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.”
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.