Guwahati: Country music legend Dolly Parton died on Tuesday, 25 August,at the age of 80, with her nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, announcing her death in a video shared on her official social media account.
Seaver said Parton had asked him years ago to make the announcement when the time came. He described the moment as deeply emotional, recalling his more than two decades of working as her head of security and his family’s long association with the singer.
He said the family was grieving, but added that Parton had lived a life filled with light and faith. Seaver also recalled travelling with her as a child and witnessing her career and influence from an early age.
In his tribute, Seaver said Parton had opened doors not only for members of her own family but also for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and aspiring artists around the world.
He described her as a farmer’s daughter who, in his words, went on to “farm songs and happiness”, reflecting her Tennessee roots and her enduring connection with her family and upbringing.
The family has not publicly disclosed the cause of death. Parton died peacefully in Nashville, according to her representatives.
Parton was born in Tennessee in 1946 and rose from a modest upbringing to become one of the most influential figures in country music. Her career spanned music, television, film, business and philanthropy, with songs such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” becoming enduring classics.
Beyond her music, Parton built a successful career as an actress, producer and entrepreneur. She also became known worldwide for her philanthropic work, particularly through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which promotes childhood literacy.
Over a career lasting several decades, she became one of the best-selling female artists in music history and earned numerous major honours, including Grammy Awards and inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Parton’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians, entertainers and public figures, with many remembering her distinctive voice, songwriting, humour, generosity and lasting influence on popular culture.