Dolly Parton’s Nephew Announces Her Death: Read Bryan Seaver’s Full Emotional Statement
Dolly Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver announced her death at 80 in a pre-recorded video posted to the country legend’s social media accounts, confirming that the iconic singer passed away on Aug. 25 surrounded by family in Nashville.
- Death Confirmed: Dolly Parton died at 80 on Aug. 25. Her nephew Bryan Seaver delivered the news in a video she asked him to record years ago.
- Full Statement: Seaver’s complete emotional tribute is available below, where he described Parton as “living in the light” and now “in the arms of Jesus.”
- Health Struggles: Parton faced multiple health issues in recent months, including kidney stones and immune system complications after neglecting her health while caring for her late husband.
- Husband’s Passing: Carl Dean, Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, died in 2025. Her health declined significantly following his death.
- Presidential Tribute: President Trump ordered flags lowered for one week, calling Parton “one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER.”
Seaver, who has served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, began the video by identifying himself and the family he represented. “My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and 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.”
The announcement, which Parton had requested years ago, carried the weight of a promise kept. “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” Seaver explained. “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 spoke of his aunt’s profound faith and the comfort of knowing she had been reunited with loved ones. “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. 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.”
Read Bryan Seaver’s Complete Statement Announcing Dolly Parton’s Death
Here is the full transcript of Bryan Seaver’s emotional video announcement, as posted to Dolly Parton’s official social media accounts:
“Hey everyone, my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and 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.
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.
It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton, because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.
Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, Aunt Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
Official Statement from Dolly Parton’s Publicist
Parton’s public relations team released a formal statement confirming her death and celebrating her remarkable life:
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
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.
Dolly was preceded in death by her husband Carl Thomas Dean (1942-2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923-2003), and her father Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921-2000).
Her legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience, and she will be deeply missed by millions around the world.”
Dolly Parton’s Final Health Struggles
In the months leading up to her death, Parton faced significant health challenges that forced her to reduce public appearances and cancel performances. The “9 to 5” singer had been open about her struggles, though she maintained her characteristic optimism throughout.
Timeline of Health Challenges
- May: Parton canceled a series of Las Vegas concerts, citing multiple medical issues including kidney stones. She revealed that her immune and digestive systems had been affected over the previous three years, and doctors were working to rebuild and strengthen them.
- June: She made a public appearance at the opening of her Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee, but had been seen less frequently than in previous years.
- August: Parton missed the planned opening of Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition ride, appearing instead via a prerecorded video. She explained she was experiencing dizziness and dehydration and that her Nashville doctor had advised against travel.
Friends and family reportedly noted that Parton had been “neglecting her own health” while caring for her husband Carl Dean, who died in 2025. The couple had been married for nearly 60 years, and his passing took a significant emotional toll on the country legend.
Despite her health battles, Parton continued working on various projects, including her ongoing commitment to the Imagination Library, which has provided free books to millions of children worldwide.
Presidential Tribute and Global Mourning
President Trump mourned Parton in a statement shared on Truth Social and announced he would order the American flag to be lowered “for a one week period” beginning at 6 p.m. “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” Trump wrote. “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
Fans and fellow musicians around the world have taken to social media to share their memories and pay tribute to the woman who became known as the “Queen of Country Music.” From her humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to her rise as a global superstar, Parton’s journey inspired millions.
Parton’s legacy extends far beyond music. Through her Imagination Library, she provided over 200 million free books to children worldwide. Her philanthropic efforts, including support for COVID-19 vaccine research and disaster relief, demonstrated her commitment to making the world a better place.
The Immortal Legacy of the Rhinestone Queen
Dolly Parton’s impact on music, entertainment, and philanthropy is immeasurable. Over her six-decade career, she achieved:
- 25 Grammy Awards and 50 nominations across multiple categories
- 9 Country Music Association Awards and 7 Academy of Country Music Awards
- Over 100 million records sold worldwide
- Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame
- Iconic songs: “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” and “Coat of Many Colors”
- Acting career: Starred in films including “9 to 5,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”
- Dollywood: Her theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has become a major tourist destination
- Imagination Library: Donated over 200 million books to children worldwide
Parton’s final message to her fans, delivered through her nephew, was one of gratitude and peace. “She will always love you,” Seaver concluded, echoing the words of her most famous song.
The world has lost a true original, but Dolly Parton’s music, her philanthropy, and her indomitable spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.
