‘Dolly Called Me and Said’: Dolly Parton’s Nephew Confirms Her Passing in Tear-Jerking Video as Tributes Pour in After Country Music Legend’s Passing
Dolly Parton’s nephew shared the heartbreaking news of her death, along with one final request the country legend made years ago.
Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. Her nephew Bryan Seaver confirmed the country music icon’s passing in an emotional video shared on Tuesday, August 25, revealing that Parton had asked him years ago to make the announcement when the time came.
Seaver, who served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, called the announcement an “honour” mixed with “absolute pride and great sadness.” He said he believed Parton was now “in the arms of Jesus,” reunited with her late husband, Carl Dean, her parents, and other loved ones.
Parton had been open about experiencing health issues in recent months, although she continued working on several projects. Her death comes just days after she told PEOPLE that she was still working while dealing with health problems, making Seaver’s announcement particularly poignant.
Dolly had already asked her nephew to make this announcement
Seaver explained that Parton had asked him years ago to announce her death when the time came, something he said he had imagined but never fully understood until Tuesday. He recalled going on the road with his aunt as a child in the 1980s and said that she had opened doors for him and for generations of musicians, songwriters, singers, and other dreamers.
He also shared one of Parton’s final wishes, recalling that she had called him and said she wanted to rest in “a beautiful bed of plush cotton.” Seaver explained that after a lifetime of wearing heavy rhinestones, Parton felt she deserved to be comfortable and have some rest.
Seaver concluded his tribute by calling Parton “Aunt Dolly,” “Aunt Granny,” and “Gigi,” before saying she would always love her family. The announcement came through Parton’s social media accounts as tributes from fellow entertainers began appearing online.
Dolly Parton’s legacy stretches far beyond her music
Parton’s career lasted more than six decades and made her one of the most recognizable figures in country music. The artist wrote and recorded hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You,” with the latter later becoming one of Whitney Houston’s signature songs. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, despite initially expressing reservations about the honor.
She also built a major career outside music, appearing in films including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias while becoming the driving force behind Dollywood. Her work as a philanthropist was equally significant, particularly through the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to children.
Parton’s recent years included both personal loss and continued creative work. Dean died in March 2025 after nearly 60 years of marriage, while Parton subsequently dealt with health problems that led her to cancel her planned Las Vegas residency. She continued developing projects including her Broadway musical and a museum in Nashville, however, and remained involved in her broader entertainment and philanthropic work.
Tributes poured in shortly after her family confirmed her death. Jamie Lee Curtis wrote, “Thank you, Dolly. For all of it,” while Julianne Hough said, “We will always love you, Dolly.” Leslie Mann also paid tribute to Parton, writing, “Thank you, Dolly! You made the world a better place.”
Parton leaves behind a body of work that crossed music, film, television, business, and philanthropy. Her influence reached generations of artists and fans, while her Imagination Library continues the charitable work that became one of the most important parts of her legacy.
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