Country music legend Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday, 26 August at the age of 80, her nephew and longtime head of security Bryan Seaver announced in a video posted to the late singer's own Instagram page. Parton, born in 1946 in Tennessee, was one of the most celebrated figures in American music, entertainment, and philanthropy.

How the News Broke

Seaver, who served as Parton's head of security for over two decades — a role previously held by his father, Larry Seaver — delivered the announcement in an emotional video. He described the moment as one Parton herself had asked him to carry out years in advance.

'This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,' Seaver said in the video. 'It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.'

Seaver noted that Parton '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 for her to meet them in the heavens.' He first accompanied Parton on the road as a child in the early 1980s.

A Life That Opened Doors

In his tribute, Seaver reflected on Parton's extraordinary reach — both personal and professional. 'Dolly opened doors not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn't even know was possible,' he said. 'Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent.'

He described her enduring presence in the lives of fans worldwide: 'She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not.'

Seaver closed his tribute with words Parton had reportedly shared with him directly: 'Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.' He signed off: 'Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, Aunt Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.'

An Enduring Legacy in Music and Beyond

Parton rose to global fame as a country singer and songwriter, earning acclaim for her distinctive voice, emotionally resonant performances, and gift for storytelling. Beyond music, she built a successful career as an actress, producer, and entrepreneur. She was also widely admired for her philanthropy — most notably the Imagination Library, a book-gifting programme that has distributed millions of books to children worldwide.

Seaver captured her essence simply: 'Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness.'

What Happens to Her Legacy

Seaver confirmed that the family and the team Parton entrusted with her legacy 'will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.' No further details on memorial arrangements or estate matters have been publicly disclosed at the time of reporting.