Dolly Parton’s heartbreaking wish revealed in video as her family announces her death at 80: live updates

Country superstar Kacey Musgraves wrote a series of heartbreaking messages after hearing the news of Dolly Parton’s death on Tuesday.

The Middle of Nowhere hitmaker paid tribute to Parton at the 2019 Grammy Awards, saying, “I mean, let’s be honest. She’s just the ultimate songwriter.”

Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker honored Dolly Parton on Instagram on Tuesday.

She said she “never met” the country star, but “my god, did I love her.”

Watch her emotional tribute in its entirety:

Dolly Parton never let anyone forget that she was born poor. So “dirty” that her illiterate sharecropper father could only pay the doctor who delivered her to their one-room cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains with a bag of cornmeal.

Fierce hard work, persistent talent, an engaging personality and a sharp business mind transformed those deeply humble roots into a vast business empire that, it was said, would have made the iconic singer-songwriter a billionaire had she not given away so much to charity.

The irrepressible Queen of Country, who has died aged 80, fans liked to think, encapsulated the best of America: a hard-working, God-fearing star who didn’t forget her roots or those less fortunate, and didn’t let celebrity get to her wavy-haired head.

President Donald Trump announced in Truth Social that American flags will be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday in honor of Dolly Parton.

“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers, and beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a real loss for millions of people,” he began.

“There’s never been anyone like her, and there never will be. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag in the United States tonight at 6:00 PM for a period of one week. Rest in peace, Dollie! The world loves you. President DONALD J. TRUMP’

Political commentator Megyn Kelly paid tribute to Dolly Parton after learning of her death on Tuesday, writing:

“Dolly Parton seemed as close to total goodness as any mere mortal could get. She united us all in our love and admiration for her and now in mourning her. God bless you Dolly, RIP’

Dolly Parton spoke about her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, and struck an optimistic tone about her career in the devastating final interview before her death, admitting she still had “so many things” to accomplish.

Parton’s cousin, Bryan Seaver, who was also her head of security, announced Tuesday that the country music icon had died at the age of 80.

Just four days before the announcement, Parton spoke to People about her health and the projects she was looking forward to.

Parton said she had been dealing with a number of health issues that she had not paid attention to while caring for her late husband.

“It’s not like I haven’t gone through some tough times with my health,” she added.

Dolly Parton’s publicity team released a statement following the singer’s death.

“With a life full of crystals that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever remain an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also through her humor, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family,” the statement said.

“Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience,” the report continued.

“With a career spanning seven decades, she inspired 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.”

Dolly Parton’s cousin Bryan Seaver announced the legendary singer’s death on social media.

“Today I represent the Parton and Owens families and announce the passing of my Aunt Dolly, Rebecca Parton Dean,” Seaver began.

“Sister, sister, aunt, grandma for one generation and Gigi for the next,” he continued. “This video announcement is something that Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.”

“As her head of security for over 20 years, a role my father Larry held before me,” Seaver said.

“I’ve imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t really felt it until now. It is an honor that comes with absolute pride and great sadness. But the sorrow is ours, not Dolly’s.’