A Nashville funeral home has paid tribute to Dolly Parton’s ‘rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see’.
The late country music legend died aged 80 after a ‘brief battle’ with cancer, with celebrities, politicians and influential figures from across the globe honouring her mammoth legacy.
On Friday, close family was seen arriving at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, where her late husband Carl Dean has already been laid to rest when he died aged 82 in March 2025. She is set to be buried by his side.
The husband-and-wife were together for 59 years after meeting outside a laundrette on the very same day she had moved to Tennessee to pursue her singing career.
They kept their home life to themselves, with Dean only making a few public appearances over the years.
As for Parton, the funeral home shared a sweet message on their site, remembering her life, echoing the initial statement released by the Jolene singer’s representatives.
Hailing her as a ‘global icon and humanitarian’, the obituary continued: ‘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.’
Calling her legacy ‘one of love, kindness, and resilience’, they noted that her seven-decade career has inspired ‘multiple generations’.
‘Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact,’ the familiar statement concluded.
One of the tombstones dedicated to the couple shows their names engraved on top of a scene of the rolling countryside Parton loved so much. Her in-laws are also buried in the same location.
Dolly Parton: 1946 – 2026
Dolly Parton, an icon of music, film, philanthropy, wisecracks and rhinestones, has died at the age of 80.
The Queen of Country Music’s death was announced on Tuesday August 25, prompting an outpouring of grief across the world.
Follow Metro’s coverage of the death of Dolly Parton:
- Dolly Parton’s cause of death confirmed, after the star recently revealed she had been unwell
- Miley Cyrus writes heartfelt message to her godmother ‘Aunt Dolly’
- Heartbroken celebrities including Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Sir Elton John pay tribute to the ‘unique and irreplaceable’ music legend
- Dolly Parton’s funeral details revealed and the song she wanted to be played
- Remembering Dolly Parton’s unlikely love for Rotherham
- The devastating moment 9 to 5 The Musical audience told Dolly Parton has died
- Inside Dolly Parton’s private and ‘wonderful’ marriage of nearly 60 years to Carl Dean
- Celebrate Dolly’s career with these seven movies
As of right now, Parton’s family has confirmed there are currently only plans for a small, private funeral with no intention of a public memorial. They have also asked fans to donate to her Imagination Library in lieu of flowers.
Although further details of what the intimate service will look like have not been revealed, the 9 to 5 musician herself has previously spoken about her plans.
In a 2014 interview, she revealed her funeral song choice would be the old country-gospel song titled If We Never Meet Again.
‘That was my daddy’s favourite. We did sing it at his funeral, and I would like it to be sung at mine,’ she said.
As the world processes the loss of this trailblazing talent, more and more celebrities are speaking out about her impact, even from unexpected places.
Fast and Furious actor Vin Diesel stunned fans with his vulnerable tribute to the legend. He shared a black-and-white photo of Parton with a prayer emoji, with his own cover of her well-known song I Will Always Love You in the background.
His voice was clearly filled with emotion as he shared his rendition.