Dolly Parton has died. The country legend was 80 years old. Now, fans are paying tribute to the star, with flowers and handwritten messages, including outside her home in Brentwood, Tennessee.
The beloved Dolly Parton is mourned by an entire world after the news of her passing at age 80 was made public on Tuesday. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, revealed the news in an Instagram video.
“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,” Seavers said.
He continued. “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.”
In a statement to People Magazine, Dolly Parton’s family later shared she passed away following a “brief battle with cancer.” The type of cancer was not disclosed.
“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,” the statement read.
Fans pay tribute to Dolly Parton outside her home after country legend dies at 80
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement concluded.
Tributes from family, friends, co-stars, colleagues and fans are now pouring in. Among them was the family of Kenny Rogers, the music star who had a close bond with Dolly. The duo had a huge hit with the song, Islands in the Stream.
“Your irreplaceable spirit of compassion, positivity, friendliness, and immense generosity will live on with your remarkable legacy. We must accept that you’ve simply traded your butterfly wings in for angel wings,” part of the tribute from the Rogers’ family read.
Tributes to Dolly Parton are popping up all over the world. Shortly after the heartbreaking news of her passing, fans began appearing outside the country legend’s home in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Parton family urges fans to donate to ‘Imagination Library’ instead of sending flowers
Bouquets were placed along the gates of the property, next to a handmade sign that read, “We Will Always Love You. It was a touching reference to one of Parton’s most beloved songs.
The growing memorial is an early tribute to Parton in her Tennessee community. Through her music and philanthropic work, Doly became one of the US’ most beloved figures.
Friends and fans who want to honor Dolly Parton’s life are being encouraged to do so on social media by tagging her official accounts or by leaving a message on Dolly Parton’s official website.
Instead of sending flowers, Parton’s family is also asking fans to consider making a donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library here.
Rest in peace, Dolly Parton. Please share your best memories of her in the comment section.
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