Dolly Parton's funeral plans revealed by family after star's death
The plans for Dolly Parton's funeral have been confirmed, following the tragic death of the star at the age of 80.
In a statement posted by her family on Instagram, they announced: "At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. 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."
Her family also asked for donations to be made to her Imagination Library, a charity gifting books to children in need.
The statement began: "Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old."
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Paying tribute to the icon that was Dolly Parton, the statement read: "A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, 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."
It added: "Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
"Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact."
Parton's nephew Bryan Seaver announced her passing in a video which was shared to her Instagram page.
“I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t really felt it until now," he said. “It is an honor, an honor that is mixes with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”
In her final interview with PEOPLE, published just days before her death, Parton spoke about setting her own health concerns aside to take care of her late husband, who died in 2025.
"I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl," she said.
Speaking about how things have changed over her career, she said: "I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I'm the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin', I’m still workin'."
Her nephew paid tribute to her legacy in the announcement, speaking about both her music and the sheer extent of her influence.
“Dolly opened doors not just for me but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible," he said. “Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life, and across every continent.
“By her example we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history."
Concluding the heartbreaking announcement, he said: “May god bless Dolly Parton, and may god bless you all. She will always love you.”
A timeline of Dolly Parton's charity work
The country singer has been fondly remembered for her generosity and how much she gave back to local communities across the United States, as well as contributing to education, welfare and animal rights. Here's a list of everything she did to help others:
The Dollywood Foundation
In 1988, Parton originally launched the organization in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee, with the goal of decreasing high school drop out rates. She then launched the Buddy Program, which saw Parton give every seventh and eighth grader who finished high school $500.
According to the organization, the initiative was successful and the dropout rate declined from 35 percent to just 6 percent.
Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood
In 1991, the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee partnered with the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) to open a 30,000-square-foot aviary that sheltered the largest collection of 'non-releasable' bald eagles.
This partnership 'helped introduce millions of Dollywood guests to America’s national symbol and to the importance of protecting bald eagles and other birds of prey', according to the AEF's website.
Imagination Library
In 1995, the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library was founded and inspired by Parton’s father, who was unable to read. It began sending one book per month to each enrolled child in Sevier County from birth until their first year of school.
In 2025, it was announced that the Imagination Library gifted more than 40.3 million books, bringing the program’s total books gifted since its launch to more than 304.5 million.
The Dolly Parton Scholarship
According to the Dollywood Foundation, the scholarship - an annual award granting $15,000 each to five high school seniors in Sevier County, Tennessee - is awarded to those who 'have a dream they wish to pursue and who can successfully communicate their plan and commitment to realize their dreams'.
My People Fund
After previously working hard to aid wildfire relief in Tennessee in 2016, Parton launched the My People Fund, which provided $1,000 a month for six months to families whose homes were completely destroyed by the fires.
The fund also donated around $8.9 million to those in need.
$1 million donation to a children’s hospital
In 2017, Parton made the staggering donation to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in honor of her niece, who was treated for leukemia at that hospital.
She made another $1 million donation to the same hospital in 2022, this time aiming to help pediatric infectious disease research.
Covid-19 vaccine donation efforts
Parton donated $1 million to coronavirus research at Vanderbilt University, which helped fund Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Tennessee flooding relief
$700,000 was raised by Parton and her Smoky Mountain businesses in 2021 to help residents impacted by the catastrophic flooding in Middle Tennessee.
Dollywood education coverage
In 2022, the Dollywood Co. announced that it will cover 100% of tuition, fees and books for any employee who is furthering their education.
The program is available to all seasonal, part-time and full-time employees at Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
$1 million donation to the Salvation Amy
In late 2023, the singer donated another generous $1 million to the Salvation Army, with the money going towards food and grocery programs in the US.
$2 million donation toward Hurricane Helene relief
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024, which affected areas across Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, Parton donated $1 million from her own funds for the Mountain Way’s Foundation, which provides assistance to flood victims.
Her East Tennessee businesses and the Dollywood Foundation also pledged an additional $1 million.
Topics: Dolly Parton, US News, Celebrity
Mia Williams