Dolly Parton has been laid to rest beside her late husband, Carl Dean, in Nashville. The country music icon died earlier this week at age 80. Her great-niece, Lainey Parton, confirmed the burial in an emotional tribute. A private family funeral was held on Friday at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum. Lainey described the loss as painful and said,
“It still doesn’t feel real that she’s gone.”
She also remembered Dolly’s voice, laugh, hugs and loving presence.Lainey called the music legend “granny” and shared how deeply she cared for her family.
“Because she couldn’t have kids of her own, she always made us feel like we were hers,” she wrote.
Dolly supported Lainey’s dreams from childhood and helped her through beauty school.
“She believed in me before I even knew how to believe in myself,” Lainey said.
She added that Dolly did more than encourage her.
“She helped me get there.”
Her tribute ended with a heartfelt message:
“I love you, Granny. Always.”
Meanwhile, fans across the United States have continued to honour Dolly Parton. Candlelight vigils have taken place in cities such as Seattle. Flowers and messages have also appeared at her Nashville gravesite.
Woodlawn Memorial Park described her legacy as one of “love, kindness, and resilience”. The family has asked fans to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library instead of sending flowers. The charity provides free books to young children around the world.
The tributes have also reached Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House. Dolly’s niece, Jada Star, performed “The Orchard” during a special tribute concert. The song featured Dolly on the 2024 album Smoky Mountain DNA.
Later, Jelly Roll joined Carly Pearce for a group performance of “9 to 5”. Beyond music, Tennessee plans to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly. In the UK, “9 to 5” has also surged in streams. The song is currently competing for this week’s number one spot.
