Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum posted a moving tribute to Dolly Parton on Friday, calling the late star a “global icon and humanitarian” who “died peacefully” in Nashville.
The Nashville funeral home’s obituary arrived the same morning that grieving relatives, including the singer’s nephew and longtime head of security Bryan Seaver, were photographed arriving at the cemetery grounds. Parton, 80, had passed away on Aug. 25 following what her representatives described as a “brief battle” with cancer.
The Woodlawn statement mirrored language her rep had already shared with outlets, praising the “9 to 5” singer for an “unwavering commitment” to improving the world. “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 memorial read.
Parton’s team had previously confirmed she spent her final hours at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by family. “After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life [Tuesday] at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” her representatives stated.
Seaver, who had guarded his aunt for more than two decades after his father Larry held the same post, broke the news to the public in an Aug. 25 video shared to social media. “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 said in the post.
“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,” Seaver continued.
The funeral home tribute emphasized Parton’s reach across “multiple generations of artists and fans,” noting her work as a singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author. Her representatives had already informed press that Parton requested a “small and private service” for “immediate family” only.
That gathering on Friday morning brought relatives to the burial site where Parton will be laid to rest beside her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean. Dean died last March at age 82, predeceasing his wife by just five months.
The Woodlawn obituary closed by highlighting the breadth of Parton’s creative and charitable legacy. “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” her team had stated.
Parton’s family has not announced any public memorial plans beyond the private service she requested.