Music legend, Dolly Parton has died aged 80.
The singer's death was confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Seaver.
On Instagram, Seaver said: "My name is Bryan 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 said. "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 until now".
"It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly", he added: "Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl (her late husband), her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens".
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This comes just a week after Parton had revealed that she had put her health to one side as she cared for her husband before his death last year.
Earlier this month, the '9 to 5' singer had revealed that she had also encountered her own health battles, having been forced to pull out of a Dollywood appearance a few weeks ago. She missed the opening night of a new attraction at her theme park in Tennessee after suffering with dizziness and dehydration, and was advised by doctors not to travel.
"I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl", Parton told PEOPLE at the time.
Last year, Parton's sister, Frieda had called on fans to send their "prayers" as Dolly continued to face "health challenges", after Parton had been forced to postpone her Las Vegas residency due to health issues.
At the time, Frieda wrote on social media: “Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been led to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me".
“She’s strong, she’s loved , and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!". See the post in full here
