Dolly Parton, the award-winning country music icon, has died at the age of 80, her family has announced. The news was confirmed by her nephew Bryan Seaver on Tuesday, August 25, in a video shared on Instagram.
Parton's career spanned decades, producing timeless hits such as Jolene and 9 to 5. She also wrote the iconic I Will Always Love You, famously covered by Whitney Houston for the 1992 movie The Bodyguard.
A Unique Bond with Miley Cyrus
Many fans may not realise that Parton served as godmother to fellow music star Miley Cyrus. She even appeared on Cyrus's hit Disney show Hannah Montana, cementing their close personal and professional relationship.
Earlier this year, Cyrus spoke about her relationship with Parton during an interview with Variety. She recalled advice Parton gave her: “I learned this terrible habit — but I actually think it was good advice — from Dolly. She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no. So I just started promoting a Hannah Montana 20th-anniversary special that literally did not exist.”
Later Years and Personal Losses
Parton postponed a string of concerts last year to undergo medical treatment. She also lost her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, in March 2025. The couple had no children of their own and instead chose to dote on their many nieces and nephews.
In the Instagram video announcing her death, Bryan Seaver said: “My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.”
Seaver, who served as Parton's head of security for more than two decades, added: “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.”
Family's Final Tribute
Seaver concluded: “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 to meet her in the heavens.”
Fans across the world have rushed to mourn the death of the legendary performer, whose influence on country music and popular culture remains profound.
