Dolly Parton's funeral will be a small private service, as requested by the country music icon before her death on August 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Her family confirmed the plans in a statement on her Instagram page, noting that no public memorial is currently planned.
Private Service and Fan Tributes
'At Dolly's request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family,' the post read. Fans are encouraged to pay tribute on social media by tagging @DollyParton or leaving a message at dollyparton.com. The family has asked that instead of flowers, donations be made to her Imagination Library, a charity providing books to children in need.
Parton's career spanned more than six decades, producing classics like 'Jolene' and '9 to 5,' alongside her charitable work. Tributes have poured in from celebrities and fans, including Sir Elton John, Beyoncé, and US President Donald Trump, who promised to fly the flag at half-mast.
Song Choice and Burial Plans
Parton herself had confirmed some details in a 2014 interview with Entertainment Weekly. She shared that the song she wanted played at her funeral was 'If We Never Meet Again,' an old country-gospel song about meeting on a beautiful shore. 'That was my daddy's favourite. We did sing it at his funeral, and I would like it to be sung at mine,' she explained.
She acknowledged the obvious choice might be 'I Will Always Love You,' recalling it being played at Whitney Houston's funeral, but her preference was clear. According to TMZ, Parton will be buried in the mausoleum at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville, Tennessee, next to her husband Carl Dean, who died last year. TMZ also reported she will be buried in a comfortable cotton dress and her signature high heels.
Health and Final Days
Parton had been admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Friday morning for kidney and autoimmune issues, having struggled with health problems for a while. Her death came as a shock to family and friends who rushed to the hospital. Dean, her husband of nearly 60 years, died aged 82 on March 3, 2025, in Nashville. Parton had called them 'perfect partners,' writing, 'He is in God's arms now and I am okay with that.'
