Dolly Parton’s nephew shared a heartfelt video announcing the country legend’s death at 80.
Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, posted the emotional message Tuesday on behalf of the Parton and Owens family. Seaver, 47, served as his aunt’s head of security for more than two decades, a role his father Larry held before him.
“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,” he continued. “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 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,” he shared in the video. “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 as Dolly as a kid, getting a 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.”
Seaver emphasized his aunt’s broader cultural impact, noting that “Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life, and across every continent,” He added, “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.”
The nephew spoke directly to Parton’s global fanbase as well. “My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you,” he wrote. “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.”
Seaver closed with a deeply personal image rooted in family history. “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 got bless you all. She will always love you.”
An official press release echoed that sentiment, stating, “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 press release highlighted her seven-decade career and her “unwavering commitment to making the world a better place,” noting that “her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
In the viral moment that preceded this announcement, Parton had been dealing with health issues in the months before her death. In her final interview last Friday, she noted that her recent struggles stemmed from not “pay[ing] attention” while “watching over” her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean. Dean died in March 2025 at 82, nearly 59 years into the couple’s ultra-private marriage.
At Parton’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. The family encouraged fans to pay tribute on social media by tagging @DollyParton or leaving messages at www.dollyparton.com, and asked that donations in lieu of flowers be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.