"Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of soft cotton. Because after wearing rhinestones her whole life, she finally deserves to be comfortable and get some rest," Parton's nephew and security chief Bryan Seaver said in the clip on
where the death notice is given.
She will always love you, he concludes.
Parton has canceled scheduled concerts at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas since last fall due to her health condition. She has spoken about her health on social media on several occasions and announced in September 2025 that she would undergo surgery, without providing any further details.
“Pioneer and legend”
"We are devastated. She was a pioneer and legend. One of the world's best songwriters who inspired us endlessly," said Klara and Johanna Söderberg from First Aid Kit in a text message to TT.
Music journalist Andres Lokko met Dolly Parton in 2011, when he interviewed her after she performed in Stockholm.
He was one of the most charming people in pop history, he tells TT.
He describes Dolly Parton as an “incomparable communicator,” with an ability to compose sentimental pop melodies with lyrics that spoke directly to listeners.
She was underestimated for a very long time, says Lokko.
But at the same time, there was an enormous self-confidence, she knew she was good at what she did. And that made her completely unstoppable.
The husband passed away
This spring, the star announced that she is "feeling better every day" and that she is "responding well to medications and treatments" - but added at the same time that it will be a while before she is "ready to be on stage."
The country icon, who turned 80 in January, has not toured since 2016. Her husband of 60 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 after a long illness, and Parton has been open about the loss taking a toll on her.
US President Donald Trump has decided that flags will be flown at half-mast for a week.
