Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The iconic country music star was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in March 2025.
Country music icon and celebrated singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
Parton passed away peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, according to a statement obtained by Fox News Digital. Her representatives said she had recently been dealing with a brief battle with cancer.
In a statement, Parton’s representatives remembered her as an artist who devoted her life to spreading happiness, laughter, hope and kindness.
They also highlighted the enormous reach of her generosity, noting that her charitable work touched millions of lives. Through her Imagination Library, she helped provide hundreds of millions of books to children, while her support of medical research contributed to the development of a lifesaving vaccine that has been distributed worldwide.
The statement said Parton spent her final moments at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by family and loved ones, after courageously facing her illness.
News of her death was also shared by her nephew, Brin Seaver, in an Instagram video posted Aug. 25. His announcement followed months of concern surrounding Parton’s previously undisclosed health problems.
Seaver introduced himself as the son of Cassie Parton and said he was speaking on behalf of the Parton and Owens families. He announced the death of his aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, affectionately known within the family as Sis, Granny and Gigi.
According to Seaver, Parton had asked him years ago to make the announcement when the time eventually came. Having served as her head of security for more than two decades, following in the footsteps of his father Larry, Seaver said he had long imagined how difficult the moment would be.
He described the announcement as both a tremendous honor and a deeply emotional experience. While his family and fans were left grieving, Seaver said he believed Parton was at peace and had been reunited in heaven with her husband, Carl Dean, her parents and other loved ones.
Seaver recalled first traveling with Parton as a child during the early 1980s. He credited his aunt with opening doors for him and other members of their family, allowing them to pursue opportunities they had never imagined. He said Parton extended that same generosity to generations of performers, songwriters, musicians and aspiring artists around the world.
Her example, he said, taught people to believe that seemingly impossible dreams could become reality. Parton was someone who constantly created opportunities for others, leaving an influence that helped shape music and culture.
Seaver went on to say that his family had a lifetime of memories with Parton, but millions of fans also felt as though they knew her. Her music and presence had accompanied people through television appearances, records, CDs and digital playlists, making her feel like a member of countless families.
He added that the Parton family and the team entrusted with preserving her legacy would work to keep her memory and spirit alive for generations.
Reflecting on Parton’s humble beginnings, Seaver compared her work to that of her father, a farmer. While her father cultivated the land, he said, Dolly cultivated songs, happiness and hope.
Seaver ended his tribute by recalling Parton’s wish to be laid to rest comfortably after decades of wearing elaborate rhinestone outfits. He offered a heartfelt farewell to his aunt, Granny and Gigi, asking God to bless her and everyone who loved her.
He concluded by saying that Dolly Parton would always love her fans.
