Beloved country music legend Dolly Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80.

Nicknamed “The Queen of Country”, Parton was an 11-time Grammy Award winner in a seven-decade career.

Among her most-loved hits include Jolene, 9-5 and I Will Always Love You.

Taking to Instagram, the singer’s nephew and head of security Bryan Seaver shared news of her death.

In an emotional video posted to Parton’s social media accounts, he said: “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.”

Seaver described the delivering the news as “an honour mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.”

He continued: “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 for her to meet them in the heavens.”

Parton’s husband Carl Dean died on March 3, 2025 aged 82.

Elsewhere in the video, Seaver said: “By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.

“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, whether you liked it or not.”

Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.

He concluded: “Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, Aunt Granny, Gigi.

“May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”

Tributes to Dolly Parton

After news of Parton’s death broke, fellow celebrities and fans alike paid their respects.

Sir Elton John wrote on Instagram: “Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing.

“A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.”

Taylor Swift said a statement: “A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right.

“But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.”

Billy Ray Cyrus penned on Instagram: “Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart.

“I will always love her in the same way… with my whole heart… and I always will.”

Sir Paul McCartney said: “She was so bubbly and full of life, it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed.

“Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly.”

Katy Perry wrote: “For me, she was an example of a woman who defied the stereotypes for decades.

“She proved that big boobs, big brains, and a big voice can all exist in one tiny body!

“But the biggest thing about her by far was her heart.”

Sabrina Carpenter shared: “The only thing I could say after we first met was ‘she really is an angel walking the earth’ and ‘we look like we could be sisters!’”

A fan wrote online: “Such a generous and beautiful soul. RIP Dolly.”

Another added: “Thank you for all your kindness.”