Country music superstar Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her nephew announced on Tuesday evening. The news was shared in a video posted on her Instagram page.
Nephew's announcement
In the clip, Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, said he was representing the Parton and Owens family in announcing the passing of his aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. He described her as "Sister, sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next."
Mr Seaver said the video announcement was something Ms Parton had asked of him years ago, before he fully absorbed it as a future reality. He noted that he had served as her head of security for more than two decades, a role his father Larry held before him.
Family tribute
"It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness," Mr Seaver said. "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 to meet her in the heavens."
Heartbreaking tributes have been pouring in following the announcement of her death.
