The country music superstar died yesterday at 80-years-old
Dolly Parton’s family have confirmed the star will be laid to rest during a private funeral service surrounded by her nearest and dearest.
The country music icon passed away at 80-years-old on Monday (August 25) following a short battle with cancer.
Before her death, Dolly had requested an intimate service where her closest loved ones will come together to privately remember her.
The family shared details in a statement on Instagram yesterday: “At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family.”
They added: “Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at http://www.dollyparton.com.”
According to TMZ, the small gathering will take place in Nashville over the coming days and she will be buried beside her beloved late husband, Carl Dean, who passed away last year.
Instead of flower Dolly’s family requested donations to be made to her Imagination Library, a charity gifting books to children in need.
Dolly’s nephew Bryan Seaver announced her death on Tuesday afternoon in a video announcement which left fans across the world devastated.
In his statement, he shared his aunt Dolly had asked him to share the news in this particular way.
Seaver, who was also the head of security for the star for over two decades, said: “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.”
He added that Dolly had requested to be laid to rest in a ‘beautiful bed of plush cotton’ because she wanted to be comfortable and rest well after a lifetime of wearing heavy rhinestones.
Just four days before her death, Parton again addressed her health in an interview with People.
She said: “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to.”
Despite her poor health, she added: “Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’!”
