Nashville funeral home shares heartfelt obituary for Dolly Parton as her family gathers at burial site

Dolly Parton was remembered as a “global icon and humanitarian” in a heartfelt obituary posted by Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum following her death at the age of 80.

“Dolly Parton [was] known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author,” the obituary read, noting that the country music icon “died peacefully” on Aug. 25 in Nashville, Tennessee.

“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.”

The obituary went on to praise the “9 to 5” singer for inspiring “multiple generations of artists and fans” with her music and “an unwavering commitment” to making the world a better place.

The statement on the page was the same message a rep for Parton previously shared with Page Six.

Dolly Parton (pictured above in 1987) was remembered as a “global icon and humanitarian” in a heartfelt obituary posted by Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
The beautiful message was the same statement a rep for the country music icon (pictured above in 1984) previously shared with Page Six following her death. Getty Images

Earlier Friday, Page Six reported that Parton’s loved ones gathered at her Nashville burial site, just days after her heartbreaking death.

Photos showed some of Parton’s closest relatives — including her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver — appearing somber as they arrived at the cemetery.

At the time of publication, it was unclear whether the funeral took place Friday morning. However, Parton’s rep previously told us that a “small and private service” would be held for “immediate family,” at the musician’s request.

We were also told that the “Jolene” songstress will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband of 58 years, Carl Dean. He died last March at the age of 82.

Parton died on Aug. 25 in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80. (Pictured above: the singer’s burial site at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum.) Tammie Arroyo/AFF-USA/Shutterstock
The “9 to 5” singer will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025. Tammie Arroyo/AFF-USA/Shutterstock

As previously reported, Seaver announced the sad news of Parton’s death in a video post shared to social media on Aug. 25.

“I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. Sister, sis, Aunt Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Seaver began.

“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.”

Parton (pictured above in 2019) was remembered as someone who brought “joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched” in a statement released to Page Six via her reps. ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images
Reps also confirmed that the singer (pictured above in 1987) died after a “brief” battle with cancer. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Parton’s reps later confirmed to Page Six that the singer died following a “brief battle” with cancer.

“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life [Tuesday] at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement read in part.

“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.”

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