Dolly Parton has been remembered for her extraordinary life and the kindness she showed others in a moving obituary published following her death at the age of 80.
The country music legend, who died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 25 following a brief battle with cancer, was described as a "global icon and humanitarian" in the tribute posted by Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband of 58 years, Carl Dean.
"A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family," the obituary read.
The moving words come as Dolly's loved ones were seen gathering at the Nashville cemetery on Friday, just three days after her death.
Among those pictured arriving was her nephew and longtime head of security Bryan Seaver, who had been entrusted by his famous aunt with the heartbreaking responsibility of announcing her death when the time came.
It has not been confirmed whether Dolly's private funeral took place on Friday. Her representative previously said the singer had requested a "small and private service" attended by immediate family.
Dolly Parton will be laid to rest beside Carl Dean
Perhaps the most poignant detail surrounding Dolly's final farewell is that she will be buried alongside Carl, the famously private man who remained by her side throughout almost six decades of extraordinary fame.
Carl died in March 2025 at the age of 82, leaving Dolly devastated after nearly 60 years of marriage.
© Getty ImagesThe couple met outside a Nashville laundromat in 1964, on Dolly's first day in the city, when she was just 18. They married two years later and remained together until Carl's death, despite him choosing to stay almost entirely outside the spotlight throughout his wife's remarkable career.
When announcing his death last year, Dolly shared her heartbreak with fans. "Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years," she said. "Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."
Now the couple will be reunited at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville.
Dolly Parton's family fulfils her final wish
Dolly had also prepared for the moment her family would eventually have to tell the world she was gone. Bryan revealed in his emotional announcement that his aunt had personally asked him years earlier to be the one to share the news of her death.
"I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. Sister, sis, Aunt Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next," he began.
"This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality." Bryan, whose father Larry held the role of Dolly's head of security before him, had protected his aunt for more than two decades.
"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," he continued.
Dolly's representatives subsequently confirmed that the singer died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center after a "brief battle" with cancer and was surrounded by those closest to her.
"Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched," the family's statement read.
"Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand."
Dolly Parton's extraordinary legacy
The official obituary celebrates not only the music that made Dolly one of the most recognisable entertainers in the world, but the enormous impact she had far beyond the stage.
It remembered her as a "beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author" who inspired "multiple generations of artists and fans".
© Valerie MaconFrom Jolene and 9 to 5 to I Will Always Love You, Dolly's songs became part of popular culture across generations, but her philanthropy proved every bit as significant as her musical legacy.
Through her Imagination Library, founded in 1995, Dolly helped provide hundreds of millions of free books to children, while her charitable work extended to education, healthcare and disaster relief.
The obituary praised her "unwavering commitment" to making the world a better place, an ambition Dolly maintained throughout her life.
