Dolly Parton’s funeral plans might not be what you’d expect

Despite living a life shared with millions, Dolly Parton’s final farewell will be a strictly private affair reserved for those who loved her the most – her family.

A small funeral ceremony is being planned in Nashville in the coming days, according to TMZ, with Parton’s closest friends and loved ones gathering to celebrate her life and legacy following her death aged 80.

A statement on Parton’s Instagram confirmed the arrangements were per Parton’s wishes, requesting that in lieu of flowers, fans donate to her Imagination Library foundation – which gifts nearly three million books to children worldwide each month.

“At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family,” the post read, with details on any future public memorial yet to be announced, if at all.

It’s understood Parton will be buried alongside her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in March 2025, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville.

In an interview in 2014, Parton also revealed the song she wanted played at her funeral; If We Never Meet Again, written by Albert E. Brumley.

Read more

Dolly was worth $600 million, she gave most of it away to charity

In a Q&A with Entertainment Weekly, she said at the time: “It’s an old country-gospel church song that talks about if we never meet again this side of heaven, I will meet you on that beautiful shore. ‘Where the charming roses bloom forever and where separations come no more.’”

“That was my daddy’s favourite,” she continued. “We did sing it at his funeral, and I would like it to be sung at mine.”

Upon announcing her death, Brin Seaver, who is the son of her sister Cassie Parton, revealed Parton had told him how she wished to be buried.

“Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest,” he recalled.

It’s expected many fans will appear at Dollywood, the singer’s 165-acre themed amusement park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on Wednesday morning to celebrate the life of the icon.

The theme park’s website changed overnight to pay homage to the singer, while confirming doors would be open as usual as per Parton’s wishes.

“Dolly’s enduring legacy extends beyond her music and generosity to her remarkable work ethic – an inspiration to people everywhere,” a statement read.

“In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle – “the show must go on.”

“Together, we honour her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.”

Parton died on August 25 after a brief battle with cancer.

In a statement shared hours after news of her passing broke, her family said: “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched.

“Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.

“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.

“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre surrounded by loved ones.”