Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80.
The country music icon’s nephew, Brian Seaver, who worked as her head of security for more than 20 years, confirmed her death through a video posted on social media on Tuesday.
“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, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” he said. “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.”
During the recording, he explained that carrying out her request filled him with pride and “great sadness”.
“But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he continued. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by (her late husband) Carl (Dean), her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
He also shared that Dolly had left instructions saying she “wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest”.
Her passing was announced only days after the celebrated singer discussed the health difficulties she had been experiencing.
In a statement provided to People, Dolly explained that she had set aside some of her own medical needs while looking after Carl Dean, her husband of 58 years, who died in March 2025.
Although she was facing health concerns, Dolly said there were still “so many things” she hoped to accomplish and declared that she was “gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life”.
The ‘Jolene’ singer began her recording career with the 1967 debut album ‘Hello, I’m Dolly’ before becoming one of the most successful country artists of all time.
Known for classics such as ‘9 to 5’, ‘Coat of Many Colors’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’, Dolly sold over 100 million records worldwide and achieved 25 number one singles on the Billboard country charts.
Across her lengthy career, Dolly collected 11 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, 10 Country Music Association Awards, seven Academy of Country Music Awards and three American Music Awards. She received two Academy Award nominations, was presented with an honorary Oscar and entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
Dolly also built an accomplished acting career, beginning with the 1980 film ‘9 to 5’ opposite Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Her later movie credits included ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’, ‘Rhinestone’ and ‘Steel Magnolias’.
Before her death, she had been developing ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’, scheduled to reach Broadway in December, along with a new Nashville museum celebrating her life and career.
