Lainey Wilson has revealed the heartfelt message Dolly Parton shared with her during their final phone call, just weeks before the country legend's death. Parton died aged 80, with her passing announced earlier this week.
Her nephew Bryan Seaver confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: "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."
Cancer Battle and Final Moments
Representatives for the star confirmed Parton died after a "brief battle with cancer," though the type was not disclosed. "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones," the statement read.
Since her death, tributes have poured in, with Wilson now speaking out about their last conversation.
A Mentor's Last Words
Wilson wrote: "My Dolly. I felt like you were my friend before we even met.. you made everybody feel that way. But once we became friends, boy did we have a lot to talk about…"
"I sure am glad you called a couple of weeks ago. We got to talk about the business, the sacrifice, how special Carl Dean was to you and how important Duck is to me.. you told me that 'it’s all great and stuff that Duck lets you be you, but you better make sure you let Duck be himself too.'"
Wilson, who grew up idolising Parton, later became her mentee. The pair collaborated on music and frequently shared the stage. During their call, they discussed their faith, and Parton made a poignant remark about feeling unfinished.
'I Felt Like You Weren't Finished'
"You also told me to take my time reading the book of Revelation and that I might need to go on back to Psalms for a minute to catch my breath. We talked about how we both feel like we were called into this business and you told me you felt like you weren’t finished. Well my friend, you are not," Wilson shared.
"The kind of love and light you shined in your lifetime is the kind that never goes away. I am thankful the Lord gave you a gift, you decided to share it, and the Lord decided to share you with us. I can’t wait to see you again and I know when I hug your neck in heaven someday you are still gonna be saying, 'don’t mess up hair, Lainey girl.' I will always love you, my friend."
Before her death, Parton had spoken about health issues she ignored while caring for her husband Carl Dean, who died in March last year. "I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl," she said in an interview. Despite her diagnosis, she remained determined, telling People on August 21: "You know me, as I've often said, I've dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve." She vowed to keep working "as long as I can to see everything come to life. It's not like I haven't been through hard times with my health. I'm still healin', I'm still workin'."
