Dolly Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver paid tribute to his late aunt while confirming her death at the age of 80 in a sentimental video.
“I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean,” Seaver began in the clip posted to Parton’s Instagram account on Tuesday, August 25.
After explaining that Parton had asked him “years ago” to be the one to share her death in a video announcement, Seaver explained that he worked as his aunt’s head of security for two decades after the role was passed down by his father. He said he “imagined the heaviness of this moment,” but hadn’t “truly felt it until now.”
Seaver went on to insist that Parton is in a better place. “The sadness lays with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus,” he said. “Surely met by [late husband] Carl [Thomas Dean], her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”
He went on to discuss her legacy as a musician. “Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life,” Seaver said. “By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.”
“My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you,” he continued. “She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family, whether you liked it or not.”
Seaver said that his family and Parton’s team will work hard to make sure “her spirit will live with us forever.”
“Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil; she farmed songs and happiness,” Seaver said. “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.”
“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly,” he said before listing off a few of the affectionate nicknames her loved ones had for her. “May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
Parton died following months of undisclosed health issues.
“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family,” her rep said in a statement on Tuesday. “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.”
The statement added that “her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
