Dolly Parton's final wish has been revealed in a heartbreaking message from her family following her passing at the age of 80. The country music icon's death was confirmed via an Instagram post on Tuesday, August 25, when her nephew Bryan Seaver addressed fans on the family's behalf to share the devastating news.
During the video, Bryan also detailed how Dolly had voiced one specific request for after her death. He said: "This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven't truly felt it til now."
Final request for comfort
Dolly also expressed another wish, as Bryan disclosed: "Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest."
Bryan's touching tribute to Dolly added: "Hey, everyone. My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I'm 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."
Legacy and family tributes
He paid homage to Dolly's extraordinary career and lasting legacy, continuing: "I first went on the road with Dolly as a kid, getting the taste of the road life in the early 1980s. Dolly opened doors, not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn't even know was possible."
He added: "Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life, and across every continent. By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened made and changed history."
He continued: "My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly. But so have you. 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."
Health decline and recent losses
Dolly's death occurred just four days after a health update in which she disclosed her condition had deteriorated following the death of her husband of 60 years, Carl Dean, in March 2025. She told People: "As I've shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl. You know, this isn't the first time I've had to manage something like this. Back in the early '80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it's not like I haven't been through hard times with my health."
Just weeks prior, on July 23, Dolly's brother, Coy "Denver" Parton, also passed away, with the legendary singer reported to be devastated by the loss of her sibling.
Bryan concluded: "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."
