Dolly Parton's family gathered at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday, August 28, for a private service, as the cemetery shared a tribute to the singer.
Cemetery's tribute to Dolly Parton
The cemetery issued a tribute to Dolly, calling her a "global icon and humanitarian." A spokesperson continued: "Dolly Parton [was] known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author", noting she "died peacefully" on August 25.
The Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum's statement went on: "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."
Family arrives at the cemetery
Page Six secured photographs of Dolly's family members reaching Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum. The group, which featured Dolly's nephew Bryan Seaver, came bearing flowers.
A source informed the publication that the cemetery was "crawling with cops" just before the family's arrival. Bryan was spotted welcoming arrivals and was photographed conversing with police and security staff.
It has not been confirmed whether Dolly's funeral took place on Friday, but her representative had previously stated that "a small, private service" would be held for her immediate family.
Donations and burial plans
Fans and friends were urged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media. Instead of flowers, her family requested donations to Dolly's Imagination Library.
It has also been disclosed that Dolly will be interred next to her beloved husband, Carl Dean. Carl passed away in March 2025 at the age of 82, after nearly six decades of marriage to Dolly.
Upon announcing her husband's death last year, Dolly said, "Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."
Nephew's announcement
Dolly had been making preparations for her passing, with her nephew Bryan revealing in his poignant announcement that his aunt had actually asked him years earlier to be the one to break the news to the world.
In the announcement video posted to Instagram, Bryan said, "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."
Bryan confessed that while he had "imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven't truly felt it until now." A spokesperson for Dolly later confirmed her passing after a "brief battle with cancer." She passed away surrounded by her loved ones at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre.
