Dolly Parton's final wish revealed by family after death at age 80
In being the one to break the heartbreaking news of Dolly Parton's death, her nephew, Bryan Seaver, granted her final wish.
The '9 to 5' hitmaker passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Tuesday (25 August), after reportedly being admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville the Thursday prior.
According to a statement shared by her representatives, Parton died, aged 80, following a 'brief battle' with cancer.
"Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched," they added.
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Seaver, who worked on Parton's security team, also shared a broader tribute to the country musician on social media.
In a professionally shot video shared to the singer's Instagram account, Seaver told her millions of followers he'd been approached with the idea of recording a clip announcing her death several years earlier, before he'd '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 until now," he began.
"It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly."
Her nephew went on to gush: "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."
Seaver recalled enjoying life on the road with his auntie as a child in the 1980s.
"Dolly opened doors, not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible," Seaver continued. "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. My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you."
Speaking to fans directly, he added: "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."
Several stars have since shared tributes of their own, including Paul McCartney, who hailed her song-writing and philanthropy as 'unrivaled in the world of country music'.
Donald Trump also wrote online: "This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will."
Eminem also described the chart-topper as a 'superstar in every sense'.
In a lengthier statement, Beyoncé wrote in a statement on her website: "Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humour, your entrepreneurship.
"I’m honoured that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever."
Topics: Celebrity, Music, Entertainment, US News
Rhianna Benson