Music2 min(s) read
Country music legend Dolly Parton has died aged 80, just days after telling the world that she had 'so many things' that she still wanted to achieve.
Parton had been struggling with her health in recent times, but her death will come as a surprise to fans.
In an Instagram video, her nephew Brian Seaver confirmed the news, stating: “My name is Brin 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,
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.
"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.”
The statement continues: “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.
"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."
In an update on Friday just days before her deaeth, Parton had 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.
"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."
“But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’!
"You know me - as I’ve often said - I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”
Parton is the best-selling female country musician of all time, and one of the most-loved and popular artists of any genre.
