Today, August 25, 2026, at the age of 80, Dolly Parton has passed away. Dolly’s nephew and longtime head of security Bryan Seaver shared the heartbreaking news in a video on Dolly’s social media. Read and watch Bryan’s beautiful message below:
“Hey everyone, my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. Sister, sis, Aunt Granny to one generation, and Gigi to the next.
This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.
But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.
I first went on the road with Dolly as a kid, getting a taste of the road life in the early 1980’s. Dolly opened doors, not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible. 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.
My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not. Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.
Dolly was a farmer, just like her Daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said 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. Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, Aunt Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
Dolly’s last public appearance was June 24 at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee.
The country music legend was scheduled to appear at Dollywood’s new ride opening August 14, but could not make it due to health reasons. Dolly recorded a video message for her fans since she could not be at Dollywood in person on the 14th. In the video, she said, “I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I’ve had a few little health issues and sometimes I get a little dizzy and I get dehydrated. And I’m dehydrated. So my Nashville doctor has kind of clipped my wings, saying, ‘You ain’t traveling this week.’”
On August 19, Dolly Parton was awarded the 2026 ACM Honors Poets Award. The songstress virtually accepted the award with a video message full of joy and gratitude.
“At my core, songwriting has been the most important part of who I am creatively. Every dream I ever had and all the dreams I’ve been able to see come true in life, well they all started with a song,” she smiled. “Songwriting has been a gift from God that has allowed me to touch people with words and music. So thank you, God, and thank you fans around the world and everyone at ACMs for giving me this very special award.”
Also on the 19th, Parton was honored with 82 new global sales certifications, earning new certifications across 14 countries. Those countries include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, South Africa and more. For example, “Jolene” earned Diamond certifications in Canada and the Netherlands, “9 to 5” achieved Diamond status in Canada.
Two days later, in a statement to People on August 21, Dolly stated, “As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl. Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”
Dolly was a true artist and the kindest person. She inspired generations of musicians and creatives and will continue to impact generations to come. Rest in peace, Dolly Parton. We will always love you.
Link to Dolly Parton’s obituary can be found here.
At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.
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