Dolly Parton's niece has spoken out following the singer's death on August 25 at age 80, sharing a moving tribute to her beloved aunt and godmother.
Rebecca Seaver, the daughter of Dolly's sister Cassie, took to Instagram on Tuesday to say goodbye to the legendary country singer, and shared a series of photos of herself with Dolly over the years.
Rebecca's final goodbye
© Instagram"Today, the grief we feel is insurmountable because of the enormous amount of love we all have for Dolly Rebecca Parton," Rebecca began in the caption.
"She has always been the light, not just for those directly in her orbit but for the entire world. We all wanted to be better versions of ourselves for her sake, and I hope we all continue to do just that."
© InstagramShe continued: "Today, I embark on a new journey: a life without my most trusted confidant. My best friend, my favorite adventurer, my name-giver, my godmother, my precious Aunt Granny. I know she has been welcomed into the mystic by Carl [Dean, Dolly's late husband] and my Mamaw Avie Lee. She is now on her most important celestial journey with God, and I know she is at peace."
Rebecca went on to praise Dolly's legacy and share how grateful she was for "the magic of her presence in my life".
See Rebecca's brother Bryan pay tribute to Dolly below...
"While we mourn this incredible loss, I want us all to remember that joy and grief exist together. This is a celebration of a beautiful life, lived unapologetically and with the most incredible heart," the 39-year-old wrote.
"She never left a rhinestone or a dream unturned, and I am so proud to carry those shining dreams forward. She will forever be shining down on us and flying with butterflies. I will miss you and love you endlessly. Your niece, Rebecca Ann Keikilani Seaver."
A family in mourning
Rebecca currently serves as the executive director of Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum, and she curated Dolly's 2023 book Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones.
Her brother, Bryan Seaver, was tasked by Dolly with delivering the news of her death via social media on Tuesday.
© Instagram"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," Bryan said in the video.
"I first went on the road with Dolly as a kid, getting a taste for the road life in the early 1980s. Dolly opened doors, not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn't even know was possible."
Remembering Dolly
© Getty ImagesThe "Jolene" singer passed away on August 25 after a brief cancer battle, leaving a decades-long legacy of musical excellence and philanthropic deeds behind. Everyone from Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to Stevie Nicks and Paul McCartney has since paid tribute to the pioneering musician.
Dolly's goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, shared a particularly emotional farewell on social media, writing: "The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private, and they'll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts."
© Getty Images for The Recording A"What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis."
Miley concluded: "I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We're in this loss together, and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things."
