Country music icon Dolly Parton has been privately laid to rest, a member of her family confirmed on Saturday, Aug. 29. Her niece, Lainey Mae Parton, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, noting that she waited to post the message until after the service had taken place the previous day.
Reflecting on their bond, the niece wrote that it still does not feel real that the singer is gone. She shared memories of the star’s voice, laugh, and hugs, adding that she would miss the frequent 4 AM phone calls. Lainey Mae emphasized that the icon believed in her before she believed in herself, providing support as she pursued a career in beauty school rather than college. She also recalled the experience of singing with her aunt on the 2024 album, "Smoky Mountain DNA," noting how the singer made her feel confident and safe, as if nothing bad could happen. She expressed deep gratitude for the way the singer treated her and her siblings as her own children, noting that she could not think of a single bad memory with her.
Representatives for the late artist previously stated that a small, private service was held for immediate family, in accordance with her wishes. The family has requested that donations be directed to Parton's Imagination Library, which provides free books to children from birth to age 5, rather than sending flowers.
Parton passed away on Aug. 25 at the age of 80 at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville. While her battle with cancer was brief and not publicly known before her death, she had been managing various health issues, including digestive and immune system concerns, throughout her final year. She had notably canceled a public appearance at Dollywood on Aug. 14 after doctors advised against travel due to dizziness and dehydration.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, confirmed to TMZ that she would be buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, resting beside her husband, Carl Dean, who died in 2025. Seaver had announced the news of her passing on Aug. 25 through a social media video, which he noted was something the singer had asked of him years ago. He described the role as an honor mixed with deep sadness, stating that the sadness lies with the family, not with her. He spoke of his aunt living in the light and being met by her husband, parents, and other loved ones in the heavens.
Parton, who was the fourth oldest of six brothers and six sisters, shared a marriage with Carl Dean that spanned nearly 60 years, from 1966 until his death in 2025.
"It still doesn't feel real that she's gone," her niece wrote. "I'm going to miss her voice, her laugh, her hugs, and just knowing she was there. I'm even going to miss those 4 AM calls, and I'd give anything to see her name pop up on my phone again."
Contributing: Saman Shafiq, Clare Mulroy and Anthony Robledo
