The “9 to 5” singer died on Aug. 25 at age 80

NEED TO KNOW

• Dolly Parton’s niece Heidi shared a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on her aunt’s death and their special memories together
• Heidi and Dolly previously collaborated on “A Rose Won’t Fix It”
• Dolly was laid to rest in a private family service after her death at age 80 on Aug. 25

Dolly Parton‘s niece is missing the country music icon.

Two weeks after the Queen of Country died, her niece Heidi Parton shared an update on social media and said she’s having a hard time accepting that Parton is no longer with us.

“It’s been 2 weeks today and it still doesn’t feel real,” Heidi captioned a photo smiling with Parton on Instagram. “This photo is from the day we filmed the video for ‘The Gift’ that we use as the closing song in my show at @dollywood I’m so grateful I have this and the video.”

She continued, “Seeing her everyday on stage is so hard but I’m so fortunate that I have that ability.”

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In an Instagram video shared on Aug. 27, Heidi thanked her followers for the support following the death of her aunt and grew emotional as she talked about her impact.

“I’ve done several interviews to pay honor to her,” she wrote in the caption section of the video. “I know that may sound strange to many but Aunt Dolly found peace and solace in working when life got sad or tough and I’ve discovered that’s how I cope as well.”

In 2024, the “9 to 5” singer teamed up with Heidi for a song called “A Rose Won’t Fix It.” The song was featured on her album Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables.

Dolly died at age 80 on Aug. 25. Shortly after she died, representatives for the country icon confirmed she died following a “brief battle with cancer.”

On Sept. 1, Dolly’s niece Jada Star revealed why she chose to keep her cancer journey private in an interview with Extra.

“She never wanted to worry anybody. So I think it was just a shock,” Star said of Dolly.

The “Jolene” singer was laid to rest during a private service attended only by immediate family on Friday, Aug. 28, Dolly’s great-niece Lainey Parton shared in an Instagram post.

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