Dolly Parton’s Nephew Reveals Her Wishes As Family Shares Emotional Update
Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at age 80.
The passing of the cherished star was announced by her nephew and long-serving bodyguard, Bryan Seaver, who delivered the news on Tuesday, August 25, through a video posted to Instagram. The clip, titled “A message from the family of Dolly Parton,” garnered more than 3 million likes within just one hour of appearing on the singer’s social media page, as admirers, including numerous celebrities, filled the comments section with heartfelt tributes and messages of sympathy.
The announcement came as Dolly Parton feared family feuds over her fortune before her death.
“Hey, everyone. My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m 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 stated, disclosing that the country music star had personally designated him to make the public announcement of her death.
He added, “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.”
Bryan, dressed in a grey suit against a black background in the pre-recorded statement, elaborated, “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 til now.
“It is an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,” Bryan said, adding, “But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”
The announcement came just days after Dolly had spoken publicly about her declining health, which she attributed to worsening after the passing of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, in March 2025, reports the Mirror US.
Dolly Parton’s nephew announced her passing on Instagram (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Bryan went on to say, “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.”
Reflecting on his close bond to his aunt, Bryan explained, “I first went on the road with Dolly as a kid, getting the taste of 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.”
He continued, “Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life, and across every continent. 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.”
Concluding his heartfelt tribute, Bryan stated, “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. Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness,” Bryan said.
He then revealed his aunt’s final wishes, sharing that “Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.”
Bryan concluded the statement: “Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly. Aunt Granny. Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton. And may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
Born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, Dolly Parton will be laid to rest in the state she called home.
Her death comes after Dolly Parton revealed she once turned ‘cried all night’ after Elvis Presley’s request.
