Two weeks after Dolly Parton's tragic passing, one of her family members is paying tribute with a bittersweet memory.
Heidi Parton, one of the singer's many adored nieces and nephews, took to social media with a tender tribute to her late aunt to mark two weeks since her death.
© Getty ImagesHeidi shared a photo of herself with Dolly to make an accompanying video for her performance of the song "The Gift," which is included in the tribute show Heidi performs at Dollywood.
"It's been 2 weeks today and it still doesn't feel real! This photo is from the day we filmed the video for 'The Gift' that we use as the closing song in my show at @dollywood," she penned.
"I'm so grateful I have this and the video," Heidi continued. "Seeing her everyday on stage is so hard but I'm so fortunate that I have that ability."
Fans extended their support to the singer with comments like: "Keep the legacy of her moving. We need her gifts. She is so present in every gift she left us," and: "Sending love to you all, I never met Dolly but I know the world is a better place because of her!"
A third wrote: "I'm sending you all the love and well wishes getting through this hard time. There is no one like your aunt Dolly that's for damn sure. The best ever," with a fourth adding: "A beautiful pic of you both. Dolly is so proud of you, and would want happiness for you. Thank you for sharing this pic, very special."
© InstagramA few days after Dolly's death, Heidi paid joint tribute to both her aunt, who she referred to as her "aunt granny," plus her late father Randy Parton, Dolly's brother. "To know the two greatest entertainers of all time has been my greatest privilege," she penned.
"My Dad Randy Parton and my Aunt Dolly Parton are the reason I do what I do everyday. My Aunt Dolly's dream of having a theme park gave my Dad a job in the 80s and then he in turn gave me my 1st job in 1990, I was 4 years old the first time I performed on a stage."
© InstagramShe continued: "The fact that it was a Dollywood stage makes it that much more special. I will never be able to express how much gratitude I have for both of them. Their dreams nurtured my dream and I get to live that dream everyday!"
Dolly's death was announced by her nephew and head of security Bryan Seaver on her social media page, on behalf of her family, triggering a massive outpouring of love and support from around the world.
© RedfernsSeveral members of her family have since shared their public tributes, highlighting her kindness in private and her desire to keep her cancer battle a secret. Dolly was given a service, involving only close family and friends, three days after her death. She was buried beside her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean.
