Details of Dolly Parton’s final resting place shared as her final wish is fulfilled

The world was rocked this week after it was announced that country music icon Dolly Parton had passed away at the age of 80, following a 'brief battle with cancer'.

News of Parton’s death was announced by her family on Tuesday night (25 August), and her publicist, Marcel Pariseau, said: "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre surrounded by loved ones."

The statement continued: "Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.

"Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact."

The type of cancer was not disclosed.

Parton’s death was announced via an Instagram video by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who also served as the 'Jolene' hit-maker's head of security.

He said it was 'an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness' to share the news of her death, adding: "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."

Parton’s husband Carl Dean, whom she was married to for 58 years, died last year aged 82.

In the announcement, Seaver shared how Dolly asked to be laid to rest.

"Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to feel comfortable and have some rest," he explained in the video.

Dolly's final resting place will be alongside Carl, whom she tied the knot with in 1966 after two years of dating.

The pair were together until Dean’s death in March 2025.

Carl was laid to rest in a mausoleum at the Woodlawn Memorial Park, with the site being marked with a plaque featuring both their names.

An inscription reads 'Married May 30, 1966', underneath a symbol representing two wedding bands.

Under each of their names are illustrations of Dolly and Carl's respective childhood homes.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.