The family of country music icon Dolly Parton, gathered at the Nashville burial site on Friday morning to bid the singer a teary goodbye.

Dolly Parton’s family gather for emotional farewell

Three days after news broke about the star’s sudden demise, her near and dear ones were spotted arriving at the location early Friday morning. .According to photos obtained by Page Six, around a dozen of Parton’s relatives arrived at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum, dressed in shades of white and black as they gathered at the cemetery.

Dolly Parton’s nephew oversees arrangements

Among them was her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, who announced the news of Parton’s demise at 80, in a video message on the singer’s official handle. Seaver appeared to take charge of the gathering, coordinating with police and security personnel and greeting relatives as they arrived.It remains unclear whether a funeral service was held on Friday. Parton’s representative had previously said that the singer would have a “small and private service” attended by “immediate family,” in accordance with her wishes.

Dolly Parton’s cause of death

Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80 following a “brief battle” with cancer, according to her family. She is set to be laid to rest beside her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at the age of 82.

Dolly Parton’s name inscribed on tomb

By Wednesday, Parton’s name had reportedly been inscribed on the bronze frontispiece of the tomb, photos of which have since gone viral online.

Dolly Parton’s funeral requests

Parton is reportedly expected to be buried in a cotton dress and her signature stilettos. Seaver previously shared, “Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because, after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.”Parton had also previously revealed that she wanted the country-gospel song “If We Never Meet Again” to be performed at her funeral.The singer, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, days after she was reportedly hospitalised with “kidney and autoimmune issues” on August 20.

Celebs pay tribute

Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, friends and fellow celebrities around the world. Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Eminem, Bob Mackie, John Mayer, Julia Roberts and Harry Styles are among those who have paid tribute to the country music icon.