00:00Dolly Parton, the global country icon who became one of the most successful and beloved artists in history, has died
00:06at the age of 80.
00:08I'm representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly, Rebecca Partonby.
00:14Her death was announced in an Instagram video posted by her nephew and longtime head of security, Brian Seaver.
00:19This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.
00:25As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have
00:31imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven't truly felt it until now.
00:34It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.
00:39But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.
00:42Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and
00:48countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.
00:52A cause of death hasn't yet been confirmed, but Parton had openly struggled with her health in recent months, forcing
00:58her to cancel several public appearances, most recently the opening of a new attraction at her Dollywood theme park.
01:04Tributes are now pouring in from around the world for the legendary singer-songwriter behind timeless classics like Jolene, 9
01:10to 5 and I Will Always Love You.
01:12By her example, we believed that anything was possible.
01:15She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the door she opened made and changed history.
01:21My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you.
01:26She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended
01:33part of your family.
01:34Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life
01:39wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.
01:44Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, Aunt Granny, GG.
01:48May God bless Dolly Park, and may God bless you all.
01:52She will always love you.
