Dolly Parton's family has shared her final message to the public following news of her death. The country music legend, philanthropist, and entrepreneur died at the age of 80 on Tuesday.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death and shared a video message that Parton had requested he deliver. Seaver, who served as Parton's head of security for over two decades, reflected on her profound impact on their family and on countless others.
"Dolly opened doors not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn't even know was possible," Seaver said in his statement. "Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent. 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."
Parton's family stated that they plan to carry on her expansive legacy to ensure her spirit lives on. They will hold a private funeral as per her wishes but have encouraged fans and friends to share tributes on social media by tagging @DollyParton or leaving messages at www.dollyparton.com.
Seaver recalled Parton's request for her final resting place: "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." He concluded his message with "Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, and Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you."