Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Dolly Parton Laid to Rest as Family Tributes Continue
Dolly Parton died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
Her family held a private funeral for her in Nashville on August 28.
Her great-niece Lainey shared loving memories and said Dolly always supported her dreams.
Lainey also remembered Dolly’s hugs, laugh, voice, and late-night phone calls.
Miley Cyrus, Dolly’s goddaughter, shared a message about their close private relationship.
Miley said she would keep making music and try to make Dolly proud.
The Grand Ole Opry dedicated a show to Dolly and planned to give some ticket money to her reading charity.
Tennessee and Nashville also plan to honor her by naming the airport after her.
Dolly Parton was buried in a private family service in Nashville on Friday, August 28, three days after her death at age 80.
Her great-niece Lainey Mae Parton remembered Dolly as a supportive aunt who encouraged her dreams and made her feel confident.
Miley Cyrus, Parton’s goddaughter, described their most meaningful moments as private and said she would honor Dolly through music.
The Grand Ole Opry dedicated its August 29 show to Parton, with some ticket proceeds benefiting her Imagination Library.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport intend to honor Parton by naming the airport after her.
- Who
- Dolly Parton, her family, great-niece Lainey Mae Parton, goddaughter Miley Cyrus, the Grand Ole Opry, and Tennessee officials.
- What
- Parton was buried privately as relatives and Nashville institutions continued tributes to her life and work.
- When
- She died on August 25 and was buried on Friday, August 28; the Grand Ole Opry tribute was scheduled for August 29.
- Where
- The private burial took place in Nashville; the Grand Ole Opry tribute was also in Nashville, and the proposed naming concerns Nashville International Airport.
- Why
- Parton’s family held a private farewell, while public institutions honored her music, philanthropy, and cultural legacy.
- Age at death
- 80
- Date of death
- August 25
- Burial
- Private family service in Nashville on Friday, August 28
- Reported cause
- A brief battle with cancer
- Family tribute
- Great-niece Lainey Mae Parton shared memories of Dolly’s encouragement and family relationship
- Grand Ole Opry tribute
- The August 29 show was dedicated to Parton
- Charitable proceeds
- Part of the show’s ticket proceeds will support Parton’s Imagination Library
- Proposed airport honor
- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport intend to name the airport after Parton
