Dolly Parton’s family reveals her funeral wishes as country music mourns the beloved star after her death at 80

The country music world is mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, who died on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the age of 80.

News of Parton’s death was first shared by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an emotional video posted on social media. Seaver, the son of Parton’s sister Cassie, spoke on behalf of the Parton and Owens families and announced the passing of the country icon.

Seaver, who worked as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, said the singer had asked him years ago to make the announcement when the time came.

He remembered his aunt with both pride and sadness, while emphasizing that the grief belonged to her loved ones rather than Parton herself. He also said that he believed she was now “in the arms of Jesus” and reunited with her late husband, Carl Dean, along with her parents and other loved ones.

Parton’s team later released a statement confirming that she died in Nashville and honoring her lasting impact as a singer, songwriter and beloved public figure.

The statement described Parton as someone whose influence reached far beyond her music. Her warmth, humor and kindness made generations of fans feel connected to her, while her songs helped establish her as one of the most important figures in country music.

Dolly Parton wanted a private funeral

According to the family’s statement, Parton had already made her wishes clear regarding her funeral.

At her request, a small and private service for immediate family members will be held. The family has not announced whether a larger public memorial will take place in the future.

Fans who want to honor Parton have been encouraged to share tribute messages on social media and tag her official account.

Instead of sending flowers, the family is asking fans to consider donating to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the literacy program she created to provide books to children.

The organization became one of the most meaningful parts of Parton’s charitable work and reflected her long-standing belief in helping children have greater opportunities.

Parton was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in March 2025. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Avie Lee Caroline Owens and Robert Lee Parton Sr.

Dean’s death was a particularly painful loss for Parton. The couple had been married since 1966 and maintained a famously private relationship, with Dean rarely appearing in the public spotlight.

Parton later honored him through her music and continued to speak about the love they shared for more than six decades.

Her final years also included health struggles that forced her to change some of her professional plans. Despite those challenges, Parton repeatedly reassured fans that she still wanted to work and had plenty of dreams left to pursue.

Just days before her death, she spoke publicly about her health and her determination to continue working. She remained focused on the future even as she acknowledged that she was going through a difficult period.

Parton leaves behind one of the most remarkable careers in entertainment history.

From her humble beginnings in Tennessee, she became a country music superstar, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist. Her songs, including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, became part of the soundtrack of generations.

Her influence also reached beyond music through Dollywood, her film career and the Imagination Library.

For decades, Parton remained known for her ability to connect with people through her music, humor and generosity. Her career crossed generations, and her work inspired countless singers, songwriters and fans around the world.

Now, as fans remember the country legend, her family is preparing to say goodbye in the private way Parton requested.

Her music, however, will continue to speak for her long after the funeral is over.