Parton Family Pays Tribute to Late Icon's Legacy of Opening Doors

Dolly Parton's nephew Bryan Seaver, speaking on behalf of the Owens and Parton families, announced her death on Aug. 25, 2026, in a video message. Seaver, who served as her head of security for over two decades, recalled how Parton opened doors for her family and countless others in music and beyond. He described her as living in the light and being reunited with loved ones in heaven.