They kept their home life private, with Dean making only a few public appearances over the years.
In a touching Instagra post on Saturday, her niece Lainey shared: ‘I wanted to wait until after my granny was laid to rest yesterday before I tried to put any of this into words.’
She said that her Aunt Dolly ‘never made my dreams feel too big or made me feel like I couldn’t do something. She believed in me before I even knew how to believe in myself’.
Devoid of any bad memories, she shared that because the singer never had kids of her own, she took fully to taking her nieces and nephews under her wing.
Grateful for the unforgettable time she sang on Parton’s Smoky Mountain DNA album as a nervous freshman, ‘she made me feel safe, confident, and like I belonged right there beside her,’ Launey reflected.
Parton also helped fund her beauty school expenses, encouraging her to pursue her dreams every step of the way.
‘It still doesn’t feel real that she’s gone. I’m going to miss her voice, her laugh, her hugs, and just knowing she was there. I’m even going to miss those 4 AM calls, and I’d give anything to see her name pop up on my phone again,’ she said, concluding by thanking those who have shared their condolences.
The Nashville funeral home also paid tribute to Parton with an online obituary remembering her ‘rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see’.
They shared a sweet message on their site, remembering her life, echoing the initial statement released by the Jolene singer’s representatives.
Hailing her as a ‘global icon and humanitarian’, the obituary continued: ‘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.’
Calling her legacy ‘one of love, kindness, and resilience’, they noted that her seven-decade career has inspired ‘multiple generations’.
‘Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact,’ the familiar statement concluded.
One of the tombstones dedicated to the couple shows their names engraved on top of a scene of the rolling countryside Parton loved so much. Her in-laws are also buried in the same location.
Dolly Parton: 1946 – 2026
Dolly Parton, an icon of music, film, philanthropy, wisecracks and rhinestones, has died at the age of 80.
The Queen of Country Music’s death was announced on Tuesday August 25, prompting an outpouring of grief across the world.
Follow Metro’s coverage of the death of Dolly Parton:
- Dolly Parton’s cause of death confirmed, after the star recently revealed she had been unwell
- Miley Cyrus writes heartfelt message to her godmother ‘Aunt Dolly’
- Heartbroken celebrities including Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Sir Elton John pay tribute to the ‘unique and irreplaceable’ music legend
- Dolly Parton’s funeral details revealed and the song she wanted to be played
- Remembering Dolly Parton’s unlikely love for Rotherham
- The devastating moment 9 to 5 The Musical audience told Dolly Parton has died
- Inside Dolly Parton’s private and ‘wonderfl’ marriage of nearly 60 years to Carl Dean
- Celebrate Dolly’s career with these seven movies
As of right now, Parton’s family has confirmed there are currently only plans for a small, private funeral with no intention of a public memorial. They have also asked fans to donate to her Imagination Library instead of flowers.
Although further details of what the intimate service will look like have not been revealed, the 9 to 5 musician herself has previously spoken about her plans.
In a 2014 interview, she revealed her funeral song choice would be the old country-gospel song titled If We Never Meet Again.
‘That was my daddy’s favourite. We did sing it at his funeral, and I would like it to be sung at mine,’ she said.
