Dolly Parton’s closest relatives gathered at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville on Friday morning for a private burial service. About a dozen family members, including Parton’s nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, were observed arriving at the cemetery with flowers.
Seaver, who announced Parton's death on behalf of the family, appeared to be coordinating with police and security personnel at the site. An insider indicated that the service was intended to be a small and private affair, as per Parton’s wishes. The legendary country artist, actress, and cultural icon died Tuesday at the age of 80 following a brief battle with unspecified cancer.
Parton was laid to rest beside her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, who died in March. The inscription on their shared tomb already features a depiction of a Tennessee mountain scene. Woodlawn Memorial Park is also the final resting place for Dean’s parents and several notable country musicians, including Porter Wagoner and Tammy Wynette.
It is believed Parton was interred in a cotton dress and her signature stilettos, a preference she shared with her nephew, who stated she desired to be "comfortable and have some rest" after a life adorned with "heavy rhinestones."
Previously, Parton had expressed a desire for the country-gospel song "If We Never Meet Again" to be played at her funeral, a song that was also played at her father's service. Her family has requested that fans make donations to her Imagination Library free book gifting program in lieu of sending flowers. Tributes and messages can also be shared on Parton's website and social media.
Parton had been undergoing treatment at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. She had reportedly been hospitalized with kidney and autoimmune issues in the weeks prior to her death. In a posthumously published interview, Parton acknowledged dealing with health issues she had previously overlooked while caring for her husband before his passing. Following Dean’s death two months prior, she had mentioned putting music projects on hold due to the emotional toll.
Numerous figures from music and entertainment, including Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Eminem, Bob Mackie, John Mayer, Julia Roberts, and Harry Styles, have shared tributes to Parton throughout the week.