Dolly Parton's nephew Bryan Seaver revealed that the legendary country singer asked him to record a video announcing her death 'years' before the announcement of her passing on Tuesday.
'This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,' Seaver said in a video on X that confirmed her death.
'I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,' he said.
Parton had been open about a series of health challenges she faced after the death of her husband Carl Thomas Dean in 2025.
She shared her final health update on Friday, just days after canceling her Dollywood event. Tributes have poured in for the iconic country star as news of her passing made shockwaves.
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WATCH: Dolly Parton's nephew reveals the country singer has died
WATCH: Dolly Parton dies aged 80 as tributes pour in for legendary star
Dolly Parton's devastating final interview just FOUR DAYS before her death: 'I still have so many things I want to achieve'
Dolly Parton gushed about her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, and struck an optimistic tone about her career in the devastating last interview before her death, admitting that she still had 'so many things' to achieve.
Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security, announced on Tuesday that the country music icon had died at the age of 80.
Just four days before the announcement, Parton spoke to People about her health and the projects she was looking forward to.
Parton said that she had been dealing with some health issues that she had not paid attention to while caring for her late husband.
'It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,' she added.
Dolly Parton's publicity team confirmed her passing on Tuesday
Dolly Parton's publicity team released a statement in wake of the singer's death.
'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 statement read.
'Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience,' it continued.
'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. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.'
Dolly Parton's nephew's statement in full
Dolly Parton's nephew Bryan Seaver took to social media to announce the legendary singer's death.
'I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean,' Seaver began.
'Sister, sis, Aunt, Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,' he 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,' Seaver said.
'I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.'
Dolly Parton dies aged 80 as tributes pour in for legendary country music star
Dolly Parton has died aged 80.
The legendary country singer's death was confirmed today in an Instagram video posted by her nephew.
Parton, who is often referred to as the Queen of Country, enjoyed an illustrious music career that spanned an incredible six decades and was arguably best known for her hits Jolene and 9 to 5.
Her passing came after months of health woes that saw her pull out of a string of public appearances, fueling fan fears for her wellbeing.
