NASHVILLE, US – Country music icon Dolly Parton has been laid to rest in a private funeral attended by members of her immediate family, days after her death at the age of 80.
Parton’s family held the intimate ceremony in Nashville on Friday, August 28, 2026, three days after the singer, songwriter and philanthropist died on August 25.
The family honoured Parton’s wishes by keeping the funeral small and private. Her representatives had announced after her death that the service would be limited to immediate family and asked fans around the world to celebrate her life through tributes and charitable donations instead.
Parton’s private farewell contrasts with the enormous public response to her death, which prompted tributes from musicians, actors, political leaders and millions of fans around the world.
Parton’s funeral took place in Nashville, where she spent much of her life and built her extraordinary music and business career.
Parton was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum. The cemetery is also the final resting place of Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 after 58 years of marriage.
Only close family members attended the service, gathering at the Nashville cemetery. Her nephew Bryan Seaver, who served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, was among those connected to the private farewell.
Seaver had also delivered the family’s announcement of Parton’s death. In announcing her passing, Seaver described the responsibility as deeply emotional.
“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,” he said. “But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”
He added that Parton had lived her life in the light and expressed confidence that she was reunited with her late husband and other loved ones.
Miley Cyrus, her longtime goddaughter, did not attend the service. The two had an exceptionally close relationship. Parton became Cyrus’ godmother after Miley’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus, asked her to take on the role in 1992.
Parton subsequently became a significant figure in Cyrus’ life and career, appearing on Hannah Montana and performing with Cyrus on several major occasions.
Following Parton’s death, Cyrus shared an emotional tribute reflecting on their relationship and the private memories they shared.
“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share,” Cyrus wrote in her tribute.
She also made clear that some of their most meaningful moments would remain private.
Cyrus later wrote that she would “always love her and want to make her proud.”
