Dolly Parton, the legendary singer turned business mogul and philanthropist, could always be relied on for some straight-talking advice. Even when it came to emulating her massive success, the country music star’s guidance was simple: “Work your butt off.”
Friends, family, and fans of Parton are reminiscing and celebrating her accomplishments—be it her music, entrepreneurship, or philanthropy—after her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a statement earlier this week.
Parton died at 80 years old, with Seaver telling fans: “She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.” He added: “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.”
Indeed, the famed “9 to 5” singer suggested to Bloomberg she had always put in more than just the standard office hours.
As co-owner of the Dollywood Co., Parton helped oversee the Dollywood Theme Park, the Splash Country water park, several diner ventures, as well as a spa and hospitality venues in the Great Smoky Mountains. Her portfolio also included pet apparel business Doggy Parton, a fragrance brand, and a series of baking kits with Duncan Hines.
