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2026-08-26
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Dolly Parton's health woes as family reveals intimate funeral plans after country legend's death at 80: Live updates

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Dolly Parton's family revealed plans for her funeral after the country legend died aged 80. The singer had been open about health challenges she faced following the death of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, last year, including kidney, digestive and autoimmune issues. She shared her final health update on Friday, just days after canceling her Dollywood event, telling People: 'As I've shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.' Parton's publicity team said the funeral service would be 'small' and 'private' and held for immediate family. The Jolene hitmaker's nephew Bryan Seaver confirmed her death in a video on Tuesday, which the legendary country singer had asked him to record years earlier. 'I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,' Seaver said. This live blog has now closed. Watch LIVE as tributes are laid on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Remembering Dolly Parton: 'Queen of Country' has died aged 80 00:09 Sabrina Carpenter said she will 'cherish our laughter and conversations' Sabrina Carpenter, who released a version of her song Please, Please, Please with the late Dolly Parton, said she will cherish the memories. 'The only thing I could say after we first met was "She really is an angel walking the earth" and "We look like we could be sisters!"' 'I will cherish our laughter and conversations and I will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and perfect sense of humor in my pocket for the rainy days,' she said. 'There will never be another you and how lucky are we all to have experienced your singular magic as well as your once in a lifetime voice, songs, and heart. 'Your light will be something the world will search forever to find again. I will always love you.' 00:00 Beyonce remembers Dolly Parton as her 'North Star' Beyonce shared a statement remembering Dolly Parton as 'the barometer' and 'the North Star.' She called the country music icon 'talented and tenacious,' saying she 'taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. 'I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship,' Beyonce said in the statement. 'I'm honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. 'Thank you for your profound impact on the world,' she continued. 'You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. 'You are truly one of one.' 23:50 House Speaker Mike Johnson says America lost 'a true national treasure' House Speaker Mike Johnson said America lost a 'true national treasure' with Dolly Parton's passing. 'Dolly Parton’s unmistakable voice, joyful spirit, and remarkable generosity touched generations of Americans and many others around the world,' he posted on soical media. 'From the mountains of Tennessee to stages across the globe, she never forgot where she came from, and she used her extraordinary success to lift up countless others. 'Our prayers are with her family and all who loved her.' 23:48 Megyn Kelly pays her respects Megyn Kelly paid he respects to Dolly Parton on Tuesday, saying she 'seemed as close to total goodness as any mere mortal could come. 'She united us all in our love and admiration for her and, now, in mourning her,' Kelly posted on X. 23:46 Reese Witherspoon recounts how Dolly would send her encouraging messages Reese Witherspoon recounted how Dolly would send her 'notes of encouragement and support.' 'I count my lucky stars that I called Dolly my friend,' she said. 'When I was playing June Carter Cash in Walk the Line, she took me to dinner and told me stories of how June Carter charmed everyone in country music. 'Dolly gave me the courage to put my whole spirit into that performance and made me see how lucky I was to be a storyteller. 'Throughout my entire career, she sent me little notes of encouragement and support, telling me to be the light in people’s lives and listen to my angels. Always signed: "I will always love you."' 'Dolly, I miss you already. Your talent, your wisdom and your beautiful spirit lit up our lives. Go soar with your angels.... We will always love you.' 23:36 Tennessee Governor Bill Lee remembers Dolly Parton Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said on Tuesday the state 'will never be quite the same without Dolly.' 'Rare is the one who climbs to the pinnacle of fame, then scoffs at its allure, only to retain the genuine humility that defines them,' he said. 'Dolly Parton was one of a kind, who loved people, her work, her family, and her Lord. Tennessee has forever been changed – enhanced – by her, and will never be quite the same without Dolly.' 23:33 Bill Clinton pays his respects Former President Bill Clinton paid his respects to Dolly Parton following her passing on Tuesday, saying she was 'a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart. 'She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from. And she always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy.' He then noted that he and former First Lady Hillary were 'big fans and first saw her in 1974,' saying they 'will always be grateful for the music and the memories. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her legion of fans, and everyone who loved her.' 23:29 Al Gore remembers Parton's 'giving' attitude Former Vice President Al Gore remembered Dolly Parton for her 'giving' attitude. 'In one of her many memorable hit songs, Dolly Parton famously sang about a 9 to 5 job that was “all taking and no giving.” So, in looking back on her amazing legacy, it's fitting to remember her for all her giving to others throughout her life: all the joy she gave us all with her incredibly beautiful songwriting, her captivating voice, and her endless creative pursuits. The 300 million free books she gave to children across America and around the world through her Imagination Library. All the fun she gave to families who visited Dollywood. The crucial funding and support she gave for medical research into pediatric cancer, infectious diseases, and not least, the Moderna COVID vaccine. 'She gave funding to provide shelter and food for the victims of disasters. 'I’m especially grateful for all that she gave back to our beloved home state of Tennessee. 'For many, her lasting gift is the inspiration to give back to our own communities with the same passion, humor, and conviction as Dolly. God bless her and may she rest in peace. We will always love her!' 23:27 Paul McCartney calls Dolly Parton a 'magnificent star' Paul McCartney remembered Dolly Parton as a 'magnificent star' and a 'wonderful woman.' He said he first met the country icon when she was playing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville with Porter Wagoner and was just about to start her own solo career. 'She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed. 'Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly,' McCartney wrote. 'She was a very clever business woman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world. 'There was no greater honor for me than to have her sing my song Let It Be and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honored that she did it. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.' 'Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world. We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best.'

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