SAD NEWS: Dolly Parton d!es aged 80 as heartfelt tributes pour in. Viewers are seeking the cause.
Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 (Image: Getty)
Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 a little short of 18-months on from the death of her beloved husband of nearly six decades Carl Dean. According to reports, Parton was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville on early Friday morning with kidney and autoimmune issues. TMZ has since reported she died in hospital this morning. Just days before her death, she had opened up about her health to People magazine admitting: “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.”
Her nephew Bryan Seaver, son of her sister Cassie, confirmed the tragic news 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.” He 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.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Dolly Parton was famous for songs such as Jolene and Islands In The Stream (Image: Getty)
Dolly Parton first found fame in the late 1960s and became a huge star in the 1970s (Image: Getty)
“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.”
He continued recalling his first experiences on the road with his aunt, whose hits include Jolene and Islands in the Stream, reflecting on the fact she opened doors for her entire family, helping them all to reach potential they didn’t know they had. “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 shared.
“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.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
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.”
Dolly Parton’s career lasted almost 70 years following her breakthrough in 1967 (Image: Getty)
Tributes flooded in for the beloved star from devastated fans. Commenting on Bryan’s video one cried: “I am DEVASTATED. What an absolute icon this woman was. May she rest in peace.” Another added: “What a devastating loss to the world. She was truly an angel on earth. We will always love you, Dolly.”
A third chimed in: “This woman has changed SO many lives—what a legacy. Her contribution to humanity will live on longer than any one person can.”
A fourth shared: “Couldn’t be more saddened to hear this news. She was the fullest embodiment of good. We will always ALWAYS love you, Dolly.”
A fifth reflected: “She gets to go home and be with her husband again. Rest peacefully Dolly. Your memory will never be forgotten.” Meanwhile a sixth reflected: “I truly can’t believe it. She was everything to everyone. Omg I loved her so much.”
