The last chapter of Dolly Parton's remarkable life was written on Friday, August 28, three days after her death. On that day, the 80-year-old country music legend was quietly laid to rest, per People. She is presumably interred beside her late husband, Carl Dean, in Nashville at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum. He died last year at the age of 82.
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Her funeral was reportedly a small, intimate gathering of immediate family. Actually, Parton was very modest to the end. She never sought frenzied acclaim or gaudy displays of attention. In fact, the un-showy manner of her burial reflected that humility.
Dolly Parton's great-niece, Lainey Parton, wrote a sweet, loving tribute to her aunt on Instagram on Saturday, August 29. She conveyed what her famous relative meant to her and how sorely she will forever be missed.
"She Believed in Me"
Lainey Parton clearly treasured Dolly and their extremely close relationship. Because of that closeness, she tenderly wrote about her following her death. "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. Most people can think of at least one bad memory with everyone in their family. I honestly can't think of one with her."
Dolly Parton Helped Lainey Achieve Her Dream
Lainey wanted to attend beauty school. That was her goal. Dolly Parton was apparently right there to help her, every step of the way. Every young person needs someone in their corner like that, whether it's a family member, neighbor, teacher, or other trusted person, Furthermore, for Lainey, it was her dear aunt. Dolly was solidly in her corner, cheering her on.
Lainey Parton described how Dolly stepped in and always backed her up. "When I told her I wanted to go to beauty school, she never questioned why I wasn't going to college. [Dolly] told me she couldn't see me doing anything else. 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."
Precious Memories Buoy Her Now
This is surely a time of inestimable bereavement for Dolly Parton's family, Nevertheless, Lainey Parton is also looking back on happy moments spent with her Aunt Dolly and finding solace. She wrote movingly in her post, "I have things I can watch, hear, and hold onto when I miss her. It still doesn't feel real that she's gone. I'm going to miss her voice, her laugh, her 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 concluded with this bittersweet thought. "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."
Additionally, a carousel of family photos is included with Lainey Parton's message. Many of them show Dolly, casual and relaxed, reveling in the companionship of those she loved. That is most likely how she would have wanted to be remembered.
