The family of music legend Dolly Parton have issued a statement following her death at the age of 80.
Parton died at her home in Nashville on Tuesday, local time, having risen from humble blue-collar beginnings to one of America’s most beloved musicians and philanthropists.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Dolly Parton passes away at 80
Her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, read a heartbreaking statement in a video posted to social media. The full statement is below:
“Hey everyone, my name is Brian 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,” Seaver said.
“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 honour, an honour 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 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. 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 believe that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open and the door 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.”
Her representatives also issued a statement announced her death, just a year after her husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean.
“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 statement reads.
“Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience.
“With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
“Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
A small, private service will be held in honour of Parton, with only her immediate family in attendance.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails