Los Angeles, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Country music legend Dolly Parton died on Tuesday at the age of 80, with her nephew and longtime head of security Bryan Seaver announcing her death in an emotional video shared on her official Instagram account.
Seaver said Parton had asked him years ago to make the announcement when the time came. Reflecting on his more than two decades working as her head of security, he described the moment as an honour mixed with pride and sadness.
“But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus,” Seaver said, adding that he believed she was reunited with her husband Carl, her parents and other loved ones.
Seaver recalled going on the road with Parton as a child in the early 1980s and spoke about the opportunities she created for their family as well as for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and other aspiring artists.
“Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness,” he said.
He also recalled Parton’s wish for a peaceful final rest, saying she wanted to be laid to rest in “a beautiful bed of plush cotton” after a lifetime of wearing heavy rhinestones.
Parton was born in Tennessee in 1946 and went on to become one of the most influential figures in American music and entertainment. Her career spanned country and popular music, film, television, business and philanthropy, with iconic songs including “Jolene”, “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You”.
Her family has not initially disclosed a cause of death in the announcement. Later reports said her team confirmed she had died after a brief battle with cancer.
Beyond her music career, Parton was widely admired for her philanthropy and business ventures, including her long-running literacy initiative. Her legacy has extended across generations and beyond the entertainment industry.
“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, Aunt Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you,” Seaver said.
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