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Private Funeral Planned for Dolly Parton - but Here's How You Can Pay Tribute
The family asked fans to honor her online and donate to the Imagination Library instead of sending flowers.
- On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, country music icon Dolly Parton died at age 80 following health struggles. Her family confirmed she requested a "small" and "private" send-off.
- Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news in a video on her official Instagram account. Parton is preceded in death by husband Carl Thomas Dean, mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens, and father Robert Lee Parton.
- Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton said the park is "honored and committed to carry her light forward." Her legacy will shine "in every melody sung, every smile shared and every dream kindled within these gates," Naughton added.
- Fans wishing to honor her life are encouraged to donate to the Imagination Library, a free book program Parton launched in 1995. The family requested donations in lieu of flowers.
- Dollywood will remain a place of "joy, hope and togetherness," according to park leadership. Parton's wish was that visitors honor her memory with "laughter, music and shared dreams" within the park's gates.
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15 Articles
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Dolly Parton's family shares updates. Will there be a funeral?
·Nashville, United States
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Some of his musical hits include songs like "Jolene", "I Will Always Love You" and "9 to 5"
·Los Angeles, United States
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WSMV NashvilleReposted by 
Action News 5
Action News 5Dolly Parton dies at 80: What we know about funeral plans
In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
·Nashville, United States
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left2Leaning Right3Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution58% Center
Bias Distribution
- 58% of the sources are Center
58% Center
L 17%
C 58%
R 25%
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