Dolly Parton, the country music legend whose career spanned six decades, has died at 80, her nephew Bryan Seaver announced Tuesday, Aug. 25. Seaver shared the news in a video posted through Parton’s social media accounts, representing the Parton and Owens families.
“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,” Seaver said in the video. He added that Parton had asked him years ago to make the announcement when the time came.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” Seaver said. He explained that he had served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, following his father Larry in the role.
The world reacts to Parton’s death.
Tributes quickly followed the announcement. Heated Rivalry News called Parton’s death “an absolute tragedy for fans of her light, love, and legacy.” The post pointed to her influence through music and her work supporting childhood literacy through Dolly’s Imagination Library.
The circumstances surrounding Parton’s death remained limited as news broke Tuesday. Her family had not publicly disclosed a cause of death, according to reports published after Seaver’s announcement.
The news came just days after Parton discussed her health in an interview with People published Aug. 21. She said she had experienced “hard times with my health” and discussed putting some health concerns aside while caring for her husband, Carl Dean, before his death in March 2025.
Parton had also provided a health update earlier this year when she canceled a planned Las Vegas residency. She had previously postponed the shows while undergoing medical treatment and later said she would not be able to perform the residency as planned.
Parton leaves behind a career that made her one of the most recognizable figures in country music and American entertainment. She became known worldwide for songs including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” while also building a successful acting career and co-founding Dollywood in Tennessee.
Her philanthropy also became a defining part of her career. Through the Dollywood Foundation, Parton established Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides books to children. Her work earned numerous honors, including 11 Grammy Awards and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
In his message sharing the news, Seaver added, in part, “My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family.”
Published: Aug 25, 2026 01:49 pm