Dolly Parton's niece reflects on private family funeral
Lainey Parton posted on Instagram about Dolly Parton's private funeral and shared memories of the singer's support and mentorship.
Dolly Parton was laid to rest in a private family funeral on Friday, her niece Lainey Parton confirmed. The service, requested by the 80-year-old singer before her death from cancer, was attended only by immediate relatives.
Lainey posted on Instagram, noting she waited until after the funeral to speak publicly. She described Parton as a supportive figure who encouraged her career ambitions, including backing her decision to attend beauty school and collaborating on the 2024 "Smoky Mountain DNA" album.
"She believed in me before I even knew how to believe in myself," Lainey wrote, adding that Parton made her feel safe and confident during a high-school performance.
She also recalled shared experiences such as appearing together in a film and receiving personal encouragement to pursue her dreams.
The family’s private ceremony follows Parton's death on Tuesday, which has prompted widespread public tributes. Parton, an 11-time Grammy winner, was known for her music, philanthropy, and business ventures. She was survived by her siblings, nieces, nephews, and other relatives; her husband Carl Thomas Dean and her parents had predeceased her.