Fans around the world are mourning the death of country music icon Dolly Parton. Now, her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, has shared a heartfelt tribute in honor of the legendary star.
Dolly Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, confirmed her death in a video shared on social media on Tuesday, August 25.
He started off saying: “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.”
Seaver continued: “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 til now.
“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.”
Her team has confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE that her death came after a “brief battle with cancer.” The type of cancer she had been diagnosed with was not disclosed.
“I will always love her”
Dolly Parton is now being mourned all over the world, and her goddaughter Miley Cyrus took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to the woman she loved and has known since birth.
“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.
“What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.”
She concluded: “I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”
Rest in peace, Dolly. You will never be forgotten.
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