Dolly Parton, the Queen of Country music, has died aged 80.Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news on behalf of the family on Tuesday, saying: “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 added: “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.”The singer, best known for her legendary hits including “9 to 5” and “Jolene,” had shared an update on her health on 21 August, acknowledging her recent decline after the March 2025 death of her husband, Carl Dean.“I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” Parton told People.Dolly Parton dead at 80The Queen of Country has died at age 80.Bryan Seaver, Parton’s nephew, shared a video on the singer’s website announcing that the legendary songwriter has passed away.“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” Seaver, who served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, said in the video.He went on to say that Parton is “in the arms of Jesus” with her late husband Carl.He continued: “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. Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly. Aunt Granny. Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you”Ellie Muir25 August 2026 19:15