Dolly Parton Once Shared How She Wanted To Be Remembered
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Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
The heartbreaking news was announced by her family on Tuesday, August 25, with her nephew, Bryan Seaver, sharing the devastating update. Dolly’s team later confirmed her death, stating that the legendary singer and entertainer passed away “peacefully” earlier that day.
Bryan shared the family’s statement in a video posted to Dolly’s official social media accounts, saying:
“I am representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. Sister, sis, Aunt Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.”
Bryan said that Dolly is “in the arms of Jesus” and was “surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her, and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”
“I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor. An honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”
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Dolly Parton Shares How She Wants To Be Remembered
Dolly was undoubtedly one of the most influential and beloved figures in country music, building a legendary career that spanned more than six decades.
Throughout her career, the “Jolene” singer collected numerous honors, including Grammy Awards and inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Along with her legendary music career, Dolly became a successful actress, starring in films including 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Over the years, Dolly also built a powerful brand through licensing and partnerships. Her name and image have appeared on everything from clothing and home goods to food products.
One of Dolly’s most beloved ventures was Dollywood, the immaculate theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Dolly became involved with the park in the 1980s and helped transform it into a major tourist destination celebrating the culture and heritage of the Smoky Mountains.
Dolly will certainly be missed by her devoted fans, while her enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Speaking to WSMV4 Nashville’s Holly Thompson in 2023, Dolly reflected on the legacy she hoped to leave behind. When asked how she wanted to be remembered, the country music icon gave a heartfelt answer:
“I want to be remembered as a good person, a person that tried to do good,” Dolly said. “Tried to make the most of every good thing I was given.”
Dolly said that ultimately, the project she is most proud of is her famous Imagination Library, which she established in 1995.
Initially providing free books to families with children under the age of five in her native East Tennessee, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library eventually grew into a nationwide initiative.
As of 2024, the Imagination Library reported that one in seven children in the United States were enrolled in the program, receiving free books by mail each month.
To sign up for the Imagination Library, you can visit their website to check for local avalability: https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/
