Dolly Parton, Queen of Country and cultural icon, dies at 80

Dolly Parton, a musician who defined the country genre and was known as the Queen of Country, has died.

She was 80.

Her nephew Brian Seaver announced her death through a video message posted on her Instagram.

“My name is Brian 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, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next."

He continued, “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality."

"As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it til now."

“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly — Aunt, Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you,” he said at the end of the message.