Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her nephew Bryan Seaver announced Tuesday in an emotional video message shared on behalf of the family.
Seaver, who served as Parton's longtime head of security, stated that Parton had requested this video message be made years prior in anticipation of her death. "This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality," he said, expressing the heavy honor mixed with pride and sadness.
"Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus," Seaver shared, noting that she was likely met by her late husband, Carl Dean, her parents, and others in heaven. He recounted his own experiences traveling with Parton as a child, beginning in the early 1980s, and how she opened doors not only for him but for her entire family, enabling them to reach their potential.
Parton's influence extended beyond her family, Seaver stated. "Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life, and across every continent," he said. "By her example, we believed that anything was possible."
An official press release on her death echoed these sentiments, describing Parton's life as "a rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see." It highlighted her legacy as one of "love, compassion, and resilience," noting her seven-decade career inspired multiple generations with her music and her commitment to making the world a better place.
Seaver concluded the family's message with a touching request from Parton: "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." The message ended with "Rest in peace aunt dolly. Aunt Granny. Gigi. May God Bless Dolly Parton and may got bless you all. She will always love you."
A small, private service for immediate family will be held at Parton's request. Fans and friends are encouraged to pay tribute on social media by tagging @DollyParton or leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.
Parton had reportedly been dealing with health issues in the months leading up to her death. In her final interview with People magazine on Friday, she mentioned that her recent struggles stemmed from not "pay[ing] attention" while "watching over" her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in March 2025 at the age of 82.