Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her nephew Bryan Seaver announced in a video shared on the country music star’s Instagram account.
Bryan, the son of Dolly’s sister Cassie Parton, said he was speaking on behalf of the Parton and Owens family.
The announcement follows a difficult period in which Dolly discussed health challenges and cancelled planned shows. She had said she needed several medical procedures and stepped back from scheduled appearances.
Meanwhile, on August 21, Dolly shared a statement about her health with PEOPLE. She said: “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 [her late husband].
“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.”
Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Dolly Parton’s nephew announces she has died
Dolly’s nephew Bryan told followers in the video message on Tuesday: “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 and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.”
He explained that Dolly had asked him years earlier to make the announcement when the time came.
Bryan, who served as his aunt’s head of security for more than two decades, said: “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.”
He described the responsibility as an honour filled with pride and sadness. Paying tribute to the singer’s faith, he added: “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.”
Tributes have been paid to legendary singer Dolly Parton (Credit: Rick Davis)
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