Dolly Parton asked her nephew ‘years ago’ to plan to announce her death
Dolly Parton asked her nephew ‘years ago’ to plan to announce her death
Marina WattsTue, August 25, 2026 at 8:26 PM UTC
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Dolly Parton at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville in May 2025; Bryan SeaverCredit: Jason Kempin/Getty; Dolly Parton/InstagramKey Points -
Dolly Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the Queen of Country’s death in an Instagram video.
“As her head of security for more than two decades... I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he said.
Parton’s death was confirmed on Aug. 25. She was 80.
Dolly Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver announced the Queen of Country’s death in an Instagram video — something she asked him to do “years ago.”
In the clip shared on Tuesday, Aug. 25, Seaver addresses Parton’s beloved fans to share that she had died at 80. The clip, captioned, “A message from the family of Dolly Parton,” detailed the impact the country star had on her family and fans.
“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,” Seaver began.
“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.”
“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” Seaver continued, mentioning Parton’s husband Carl Dean — to whom she was married for 58 years. “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.”
Seaver said that, as a kid, he went on the road with Parton, and got a peek at that lifestyle. She also “opened doors” for her entire family.
“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,” he added.
Her nephew noted that his family had a “lifetime of beautiful memories” with the musician, but so have her fans.
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“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.”
Seaver ended his tribute explaining how Parton wanted 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,” he signed off. “May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
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Parton’s death was confirmed to Entertainment Weekly in a statement from her rep. “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 statement read.
“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.”
Dolly Parton at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles in November 2022Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Parton requested a small private funeral will be held for her immediate family. In lieu of flowers, Parton’s family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
on Entertainment Weekly
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
