Dolly Parton Dead at 80: Country Music Legend’s Family Announces Her Passing

Dolly Parton — the country music legend whose songs, unmistakable voice and larger-than-life personality made her one of the most beloved entertainers of her generation — has died at 80.

The singer’s nephew, Brian Seaver, announced her death in an emotional Instagram video on Tuesday, August 25, speaking on behalf of the Parton and Owens family.

“My name is Brian 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,” he began.

Seaver revealed that Parton herself had asked him years earlier to be the person who would one day share the difficult news.

“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” he said, explaining that he served as his aunt’s head of security for more than two decades, a role previously held by his father, Larry.

“I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he continued.

Seaver described making the announcement as an “honor” mixed with “absolute pride and great sadness,” before finding comfort in his aunt’s strong Christian faith.

“Sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he said. “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 to meet her in the heavens.”

He added, “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’s playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not.”

“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 God bless you all. She will always love you,” Seaver continued.

Parton’s death follows a difficult period in her personal life: Her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025, and she lost her brother Coy “Denver” Parton this year on July 23 at the age of 82.

As Examiner previously reported, Parton was feeling desperately lonely while recovering from health issues of her own while recovering at her Brentwood, Tennessee home earlier this year.

Born in Tennessee in 1946 as one of 12 children, Parton rose from humble beginnings to become one of country music’s most enduring stars.

She released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 and went on to produce classics including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” which later became a global phenomenon when Whitney Houston recorded it for the 1992 movie The Bodyguard.

Parton also found success in Hollywood with movies including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, while her decades-long music career earned her numerous accolades and inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Away from the spotlight, Parton became renowned for her philanthropy, including her Imagination Library program, which has provided free books to children worldwide.