Funeral arrangements for Dolly Parton have been revealed, but not everyone is invited, and her family has asked that flowers not be sent.
The “I Will Always Love You” singer has died at the age of 80, her cousin Bryan Seaver announced in a heartbreaking video on Tuesday afternoon.
She died earlier this morning after being admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville on Friday with autoimmune and kidney problems. TMZ.
After news of her death broke worldwide, the star’s publicity team took to social media, confirming her passing and sharing how she wanted to be buried.
‘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 or leaving a message at dollyparton.com.
“In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at http://imaginationlibrary.com,” the statement said.
No further details about her funeral have been released.
Mourning fans have begun leaving flowers, candles and photos of Parton on her Hollywood Walk of Fame star in Los Angeles, California.
Seaver, who was his aunt’s head of security for more than two decades, said in the emotional clip that the video was something his late aunt wanted him to do a few years ago.
Dolly Parton died Tuesday morning at the age of 80, her family announced. She was a country icon known for hits such as ‘9 to 5’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’
Mourning fans have begun leaving flowers, candles and photos of Parton on her Hollywood Walk of Fame star in Los Angeles, California
Parton (pictured in 1976) died earlier this morning after being admitted to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Friday with autoimmune and kidney problems, according to TMZ
“Today I represent the Parton and Owens families and announce the passing of my Aunt Dolly, Rebecca Parton Dean,” Seaver began.
‘Sister, sister, aunt, grandmother for one generation and Gigi for the next.
“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 more than 20 years, a role my father Larry filled for me, I have imagined the weight of this moment but haven’t really felt it until now,” he said.
Seaver continued, “It is an honor that comes with absolute pride and great sadness. But the sorrow is ours, not Dolly’s.’
He then saluted his aunt for “living in the light” and said she was now “in the arms of Jesus” and in the company of her late husband Carl Dean, as well as her parents and “countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in heaven.”
Just four days before her death, the “Jolene” singer told People that she was “dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to while watching over Carl.”
Her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, died in March 2025 at the age of 82 after a private battle with Alzheimer’s disease and other health complications.
The couple was married for 59 years. He largely stayed out of the spotlight throughout their relationship.
Shortly after the news broke, tributes began pouring in for the singer, including one from President Donald Trump.
“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 said, adding that he has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in her honor.
Trump continued, “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’
Kelly Osbourne also shared a touching message about Parton, alongside a photo of her, the late singer, and her son.
“Dolly, thank you for paving the way. Not just for women in music, but for women everywhere to be unapologetically themselves. You showed us that we could be ambitious and kind, strong and gentle, fearless and authentic,” Osbourne wrote in part.
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker also shared a tribute to Parton, despite never having met her.
“I never met @dollyparton but my god did I love her. I don’t think any of us had to know her to love her. One of the best this country has ever produced. Legend. Really and truly. Forever.
“And always advocating for those she knew and understood required a champion. What a loss. But aren’t we so lucky, so lucky for the endless gifts she shared,” Parker posted.
Parton was born the fourth of twelve children in Pittman Center, Tennessee, on January 19, 1946.
She and her siblings, Willadeene, David Wilburn, Coy Denver, Bobby Lee, Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, Randle Huston “Randy,” Larry Gerald, twins Floyd and Freida Estelle and Rachel Ann, grew up in the Great Smoky Mountains, sleeping on straw beds and living without running water, gas or electricity.
After developing a love for music at a young age, Parton sang regularly on local radio and made television appearances as a child in East Tennessee before releasing her first single, Puppy Love, at age 13.
