Dolly Parton's loved ones gather at Nashville burial site

Dolly Parton's close friends and family gathered at her burial site in Nashville on Friday, just days after her passing to honour her memory in a private ceremony.

Reports say around a dozen of Parton's closest relatives, including her nephew Bryan Seaver, arrived at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Sources say Seaver appeared to help coordinate the gathering, working closely with security and greeting arriving family members.

Parton's representatives had previously confirmed that any service held would be small, private, and limited to immediate family, per her wishes.

Parton passed away on August 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. She will be laid to rest beside her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away last year after 58 years of marriage.

Her name has already been added to the couple's shared burial site alongside Carl's on a bronze headstone depicting a scenic Tennessee landscape.

Seaver added that Parton had expressed a wish to be buried in a comfortable cotton dress, paired with her signature heels after a lifetime of wearing more elaborate stage costumes.

Parton had previously shared that she wanted a specific gospel song performed at her funeral, one that had personal significance tied to her father's own memorial service.

In place of flowers, Parton's family has asked that well-wishers consider donating to her children's literacy program instead.