Dolly Parton's Private Burial Held Beside Husband, Family Confirms
Dolly Parton died at age 80 on Aug. 25, 2026, and was buried quietly beside her husband Carl Dean Thomas, according to her cousin.
Country music icon Dolly Parton died on Aug. 25, 2026, at age 80 after a brief illness. Her cousin Richie Owens told the Today show on Sept. 3 that the singer was interred beside her husband, Carl Dean Thomas, who died in March 2025. Owens said Parton requested a very small, private ceremony with only a few family members present, and that the event was a burial rather than a public funeral.
Owens added that Parton had kept her health struggles largely private, sharing limited information even with close relatives. He said she encouraged people to stay positive and focus on love rather than her condition.
In line with Parton's long-standing charitable work, Owens said she had asked that any floral donations be redirected to her Imagination Library and other charitable causes.
The news of her death prompted widespread tributes from fans and the entertainment industry.