Country music icon Dolly Parton dead at 80 By

by Vanessa Serna

Country music icon Dolly Parton has died. She was 80.

Parton’s nephew and her longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, confirmed her passing in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

“I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean,” Seaver began.

“Sister, sis Aunt Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” he continued. “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,” Seaver said. “I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”

Parton’s publicity team also confirmed her passing on Tuesday.

Her reps said in a statement, “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family.”

“Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience,” the statement continued. “With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

In Seaver’s video, he recognized that Parton “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,” he went on. “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.”

Seaver also said that the country music icon called him before her death 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.”

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