Dolly Parton, country music icon, dead at 80

Dolly Parton, the celebrated country music icon, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday at the age of 80. Her death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in a poignant video message that Parton herself had requested years before her passing.

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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.

Seaver, who served as Parton's head of security for over two decades, conveyed the profound sadness of the moment, stating, "Sadness lies with us, not with Dolly." He shared that Parton lived "in the light" and is now "in the arms of Jesus." He also mentioned her desire to "rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton" after a life adorned with heavy rhinestones.

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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 honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.

Reflecting on Parton's impact, Seaver emphasized her role in opening doors not only for her family but for generations of artists worldwide. "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," he said.

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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.

Parton's career was deeply influenced by her upbringing in a "dirt poor" Tennessee family. She authored hundreds of songs, including classics like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," achieving over 100 million in worldwide sales. Her philanthropic efforts included founding the Imagination Library to promote childhood literacy, inspired by her father's struggles with reading. Her legacy is one of immense talent, business acumen, and profound generosity.

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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.