Dolly Parton died Tuesday at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80. Her nephew Bryan Seaver announced her death in a prerecorded video posted to social media, describing her as his "aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean" and remembering her as a country music legend, philanthropist and entrepreneur.
"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," Seaver said. He added that Parton "opened doors not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn't even know was possible," and that she opened doors "for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent."
Seaver recalled a final message from his aunt about how she wished to be remembered. "Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest," he said. The family announced they will hold a private funeral per Parton's request, and encouraged fans to share tributes on social media or at dollyparton.com.
President Donald Trump reacted on social media, announcing he would be lowering the American flag throughout the United States for one week in Parton's honor. "There has never been anyone like her, and never will," Trump wrote. "This is a true loss for millions of people. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you."
Both of Tennessee's U.S. senators reacted on social media. Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty called Parton "a true Tennessee treasure," writing that "her legacy will forever be defined by her love of faith, family, and the place she proudly called home." Sen. Marsha Blackburn posted a photo of herself with Parton and wrote, "There are no words to adequately express the sorrow our family and indeed, all Tennesseans, feel in the loss of Dolly Parton. An iconic leader who loved our great state and nation. Her passing leaves a void that no one can ever fill. Dolly, we will always love you."
Billy Ray Cyrus, whose daughter Miley Cyrus is Parton's goddaughter, paid tribute on Instagram and recalled an early meeting with Parton in 1992. "I'll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, 'Honey, this trash sells records!'" he wrote. He added that Parton had recently sent him a message telling him she loved him with her whole heart.
Beyoncé honored Parton in a message on her official website. "You were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself," she wrote. "I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I'm honored that I had the privilege to work with you."
Jane Fonda, Parton's co-star in the 1980 film "9 to 5," wrote on Instagram that she was "devastated." "Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever," Fonda wrote. She also addressed Parton's LGBTQ fans directly, writing, "To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you." Lily Tomlin, the third star of "9 to 5," responded simply with, "No words ... 💔."
Sabrina Carpenter, who collaborated with Parton on a version of "Please Please Please," remembered her as "an angel walking the earth." "I will cherish our laughter and conversations and i will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and perfect sense of humor in my pocket for the rainy days," Carpenter wrote on Instagram.
The Independent quoted Parton's team remembering her as "a rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see." According to CBS News, Parton was born on Jan. 19, 1946, in Tennessee. The family's official message from Parton, posted to her Instagram account, consisted of four words: "I will always love you."