Music icon Dolly Parton has been laid to rest beside her late husband, Carl Dean, following a private family funeral in Nashville, Tennessee.
Parton’s great-niece, Lainey Parton, disclosed that the legendary singer was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum on Friday, days after her death at the age of 80.
Her burial was followed by an outpouring of tributes from family members, fans and fellow musicians, while a special tribute concert was held at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House on Saturday.
In an emotional message, Lainey said she was still struggling to come to terms with the death of the music legend.
She described Parton as a loving and supportive figure who encouraged her to believe in herself and pursue her dreams.
According to her, the singer’s inability to have children did not stop her from embracing members of her extended family with the love of a mother.
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Lainey recalled how Parton supported her through beauty school and helped her pursue her ambitions.
She said she would miss the singer’s voice, laughter, warmth and presence, describing herself as fortunate to have called the country music legend her grandmother.
Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum also paid tribute to Parton, remembering her not only for her decades of music and songwriting but for her kindness, humour and commitment to improving lives.
Parton’s family urged mourners to support her Imagination Library initiative in place of sending flowers.
The programme, founded by the singer, provides free books to young children and has reached millions of families over the years.
Photos from the cemetery showed flowers and messages left at the burial site, which bears the names of Parton and her late husband.
Meanwhile, Parton’s niece, Jada Star, joined other performers at a tribute concert held at the Grand Ole Opry, one of the most iconic institutions in American country music.
Star performed The Orchard, a song she recorded with her aunt in 2024 for the album Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables.
She said she was performing while dealing with the grief of losing her aunt and described the opportunity to honour her memory as deeply significant.
Country music stars also gathered to celebrate Parton’s life and musical legacy.
Jelly Roll made a surprise appearance during the finale, joining other performers for a rendition of Parton’s famous hit, 9 to 5.
Grammy-winning singer Carly Pearce was also among the artistes who took part in the tribute.
Tributes have continued across the United States and beyond, with candlelight vigils organised in several cities.
Parton’s death has also renewed public attention on her extraordinary musical catalogue.
In the United Kingdom, 9 to 5 has experienced a surge in streaming and was projected to challenge for the top spot on the singles chart following the singer’s death.
Meanwhile, Tennessee Governor has announced plans to honour Parton’s legacy by naming Nashville International Airport after the music icon.
Parton’s death has brought an end to a remarkable seven-decade career that saw her rise from humble beginnings to become one of the most recognised and influential figures in global entertainment.
Beyond her music, she leaves behind a legacy built on philanthropy, education and an enduring commitment to helping children and communities.
For her family, friends and millions of fans across the world, the singer may have been laid to rest, but the music and humanitarian legacy of Dolly Parton will continue to live on.
