Country music superstar Dolly Parton's death came as a surprise to her loved ones, and many did not get to say goodbye to the icon. The star died at the age of 80, a little short of 18 months after the death of her beloved husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean.
Hospital Admission and Sudden Passing
According to reports, she was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville early Friday morning with kidney and autoimmune issues, and she sadly died on Tuesday. Many of her nearest and dearest rushed to Nashville to be with her one last time.
But while those in her inner circle knew she had been unwell, TMZ reports her death was so sudden that several of those who hoped to have a final farewell with the beloved star didn't make it in time. This is despite the fact she had spent the past several days in the hospital and hadn't been doing well.
Nephew Confirms the News
Her nephew Bryan Seaver, son of her sister Cassie, confirmed the tragic news of her death in an emotional Instagram post on the star's official page. Looking sombre, he shared: "I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton and Dean, sister, sis, Aunt Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next."
Bryan, who worked as her head of security, revealed the singer, who first found fame in the late 1960s and became a huge star in the 1970s, had planned ahead for this moment. "This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.
"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."
Final Wishes and Legacy
"My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you," he told fans. "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," he assured them. He also shared a heartbreaking revelation, saying: "Dolly...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."
Poignantly, he ended the message, "May God bless Dolly Parton and may God bless you all. She will always love you."
