I genuinely don’t have the words to describe the heart-wrenching loss the world has experienced today.
After facing health complications over the past year, country music legend Dolly Parton had been forced to miss several events in recent weeks, including the grand opening of her new Dolly Parton Night Flight Expedition ride. Earlier this year, she also canceled her Las Vegas residency.
Today, August 25, her nephew Bryan Seaver shared the tragic news that the iconic 80-year-old singer-songwriter had passed away in Nashville, Tennessee.
In the official video shared to Dolly’s social media accounts, Seaver revealed that his beloved aunt had chosen him many years ago to be the one to announce her passing to the world: “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 then shared the deeply saddening news that “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.” Then, adding the heartbreaking detail that I’m typing through tears as we speak, he shared: “Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.”
Since the shattering news, condolences from the queen of country music’s colleagues have been flooding across everyone’s social media feeds. Some kept their messages short with many at a loss for words, while others have been pouring their heart into long tributes.
Long-time friend and collaborator, Reba McEntire, shared in her heartfelt message: “There will never be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.” Adding, “She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all of her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone before her.”
There’s no doubt that the East Tennessee native has been a well-reciprocated addition to the angels’ choir as she gets to continue what she does best by now serenading heaven.
Others reciprocated this comforting imagery, including Lee Ann Womack, who noted, “Can you imagine how beautiful the angel band sounds today?” Along with the late George Jones’ account (mainly run by his team and widowed wife Nancy Jones), referencing their duet “Rockin’ Years” by touchingly stating, “we hope you’re rockin’ together.”
Fellow stars like the Red Clay Strays, Jo Dee Messina, Rodney Atkins, Gabby Barrett and Blake Shelton reminisced on the impact Dolly has had on their lives and some of their memories with the 11 time grammy award winner. Shelton recalled working with her on the set of The Voice, writing, “I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring, and closest member of your family.”
As for the “Lessons In Leavin” singer, who coincidentally is celebrating her 56th birthday on this tragic day as well, she shared, “I remember being a little girl and learning every single one of your songs. My parents had your records, and I would listen to them endlessly.” With nearly seven decades under her belt of a generationally touching career, this memory is surely one that many fans can relate to, emphasizing the mass devastation of this loss.
Other tributes include fellow Tennessean Brad Paisley, who joined Parton on their even-more sorrowful 2005 duet “When I Get Where I’m Going,” which he re-shared in his tribute post: “Getting to know Dolly was life-changing, but not just for me. For everyone. She seemed immortal. And in the spirit of what we sang together on this song, I believe she is.” I couldn’t have said it better myself; Dolly was meant to outlive us all but is, without a doubt, continuing her dream-chasing in heaven.
Our hearts go out to Dolly’s presiding family members, friends, and the millions (if not billions) of fans touched by her gone-too-soon passing. Per Dolly’s request, a small private service will be held for her immediate family, but fans around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to the legend on social media by tagging @Dolly Parton or leaving a message on her website.
Donations can also be made in lieu of flower arrangements to Parton’s Imagination Library. View the number of tributes made by her fellow country music friends so far below, as they surely continue to pour in over the next few days:
