Dolly Parton’s nephew has spoken out about her legacy after her death at 80.
Bryan Seaver, 62, the late country legend’s nephew and longtime head of security, announced her passing in an Instagram video Tuesday, just days after Parton canceled a Dollywood appearance and said she was “dealing with some health issues.” Seaver grew up close to his famous aunt in the tight-knit Parton family, which began its life together in a one-bedroom cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, outside Sevierville, with no electricity or running water.
In the Instagram video, Seaver paid tribute to Parton’s global impact. “She opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life, and across every continent,” he stated. “By her example, we believed that anything was possible.”
He continued, “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.”
Parton shared her final health update with People on Friday, telling the outlet she had neglected her own wellbeing while caring for her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in March 2025 at 82. The “Jolene” singer had canceled multiple appearances in recent months, though she made a public appearance at the Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop ribbon-cutting ceremony outside Cornersville, Tennessee, on June 24.
Nashville concert reviewer Stacy Best, who attended the June 24 ceremony, exclusively said that Parton “seemed very happy” and like her usual “funny self” that day. Best noted that the star was seemingly “not in pain at all” during the appearance.
“She was in her typical gorgeous perfectly curated outfit and super high heels. Legend,” Best added.
In the viral moment that defined her origin story, Parton grew up in a one-bedroom cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains, the fourth of 12 children born to Avie Lee Caroline and Robert Lee Parton Sr. Her siblings — Willadeene, David, Coy, Robert Jr., Stella, Cassie, Randy, Larry, Floyd and twins Freida and Rachel — all shared the cramped space. She was born January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee. While the original Locust Ridge property remains closed to the public, Parton recreated an exact replica at her Dollywood park in Pigeon Forge, built by her brother Bobby and approved by her mother Avie Lee. The replica contains “original treasures” from the family, and a sign outside bears Parton’s words: “These mountains and my childhood home have a special place in my heart. They inspire my music and my life. I hope being here does the same for you! Dolly.”
Fans visiting Sevierville can still see the Parton statue erected in 1987 on the Sevier County Courthouse lawn, among other local landmarks commemorating her roots.