Dolly Parton’s Family Reveals Her Final Message: ‘I Will Always Love You’

Dolly Parton’s family is sharing the country music icon’s final message following her death at age 80.

“I will always love you,” read a message posted to Parton’s official Instagram account and included in a video from her nephew, Bryan Seaver.

Seaver announced that his “aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean” had died, paying tribute to the legendary singer, songwriter, philanthropist and entrepreneur.

“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,” Seaver said.

“Dolly opened doors not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible,” he said.

“Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent. 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.”

Seaver said the family intends to continue honoring Parton’s work and influence “to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.”

According to the family, Parton requested a private funeral. Fans and friends are instead being encouraged to share tributes online by tagging @DollyParton or leaving messages through her official website.

Seaver also shared a personal detail about Parton’s wishes for her final resting place.

“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,” he recalled.

“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, and Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”