Dolly Parton’s family is preparing for a small, private funeral following the country music legend’s death at 80.

According to a statement from her representative, the service will be held at Parton’s own request. While her career touched millions of people around the world, her family has chosen an intimate farewell focused on those closest to her.

Fans will still have an opportunity to remember the singer and celebrate the enormous legacy she leaves behind.

Dolly Parton requested a private farewell

Parton’s immediate family will gather for a small, private service to honor her life and career.

Her representative also encouraged fans and friends around the world to share their memories online.

“Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com,” the representative said.

The family is also asking fans not to send flowers. Instead, those who wish to honor Parton are encouraged to make a donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Parton founded the organization in 1995 with the goal of giving free books to children from birth through age 5. The program became one of the most important parts of her philanthropic work and a major part of her legacy beyond music.

Her nephew announced her death

Parton’s death was announced Tuesday, August 25, by her nephew Bryan Seaver, the son of her sister Cassie Parton.

Seaver shared the heartbreaking news in a video posted to Dolly’s social media accounts, explaining that he was speaking on behalf of the Parton and Owens families.

“My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean,” he said.

Seaver, who served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, revealed that Dolly had asked him years earlier to make the announcement when the time eventually came.

He described the moment as an honor mixed with overwhelming sadness, while emphasizing that he believed Dolly was at peace.

He also remembered her as someone who opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers around the world.

Dolly Parton leaves behind a remarkable legacy

Parton’s career stretched across more than five decades. She released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 and went on to become one of the biggest names in country music.

Her best-known songs include Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, songs that helped turn her into a global superstar.

Her influence reached far beyond music. Parton became a successful actress, businesswoman and philanthropist while using her platform to support literacy and children through the Imagination Library.

Now, her family is honoring her wish for a quiet and private goodbye.

For the millions of fans who loved her music, her family has offered another way to say farewell: share a memory, leave a message and support the causes that meant the most to Dolly Parton.