Dolly Parton’s niece Lainey Parton is reflecting on their relationship after confirming the country music icon was laid to rest following her death at 80.
“This is a really hard post for me to make. I wanted to wait until after my granny was laid to rest yesterday before I tried to put any of this into words,” Lainey wrote via Instagram on Saturday, August 29, revealing her aunt was buried a day prior. “From the time I was little, my granny always had a way of making me feel like I was enough. She never made my dreams feel too big or made me feel like I couldn’t do something. She believed in me before I even knew how to believe in myself.
She continued, “Most people can think of at least one bad memory with everyone in their family. I honestly can’t think of one with her. Because she couldn’t have kids of her own, she always made us feel like we were hers. She loved us that way, and I’ll forever be grateful for that.”
After recalling a moment when Dolly asked her to sing on the Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables album, Lainey shared that the singer “continued to believe in me.”
“When I told her I wanted to go to beauty school, she never questioned why I wasn’t going to college. She told me she couldn’t see me doing anything else,” Lainey said. “She financially supported me through school and helped me get my career started. She didn’t just tell me to chase my dreams, she helped me get there.”
She continued, “I’m so thankful I said yes to the opportunities and memories I got to share with her as my Aunt Dolly, including being in a movie with her. I’m so glad I have those moments to look back on now. I have things I can watch, hear, and hold onto when I miss her.”
Lainey shared that it “doesn’t feel real” that Dolly died, sharing that she will miss the singer’s voice, laugh, hugs and “just knowing she was there.”
“I’m even going to miss those 4 AM calls, and I’d give anything to see her name pop up on my phone again,” Lainey wrote. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out, sent messages, flowers to my house, or done any of the little things to show me love. I’ve noticed every single one, and they’ve meant more than you know.”
Lainey concluded, “I feel incredibly lucky that I got to call her my granny. Thank you for always believing in me, loving me, and making me feel like I could do anything. I love you, Granny. Always. 🤍.”
News broke on Tuesday, August 25, that Dolly died after a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer. At the time, Dolly’s rep shared that the family asked for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in lieu of flowers.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” read a statement from her rep. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”
The statement continued, “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
The singer was buried beside her beloved husband, Carl Dean, who died in 2025.
