Trump Orders Flags Lowered for Dolly Parton

Seaver, who began working for Parton in the 1980s, said in the family's video: "I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven't truly felt it until now." He said Parton "has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus," and that she "opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent."

Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn, now running for Tennessee governor, said she and her husband were "absolutely heartbroken and saddened to hear of the passing of our friend," adding that "Dolly's life and career are forever woven into Tennessee's music, culture, and history."

Blackburn's Democratic opponent in the governor's race, Jerri Green, called Parton one of "Tennessee's finest" and said she "always used her platform to lift other up." Green added that Parton "was also an unapologetic advocate for the most marginalized, including our LGBTQ+ neighbors."

Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty said Parton "was a true Tennessee treasure" and that the state "has lost one of its greatest legends - a woman who never lost sight of her faith, her roots, or the Volunteer Spirit."

Rep. Diana Harshbarger, whose East Tennessee district includes Parton's native Sevier County, said: "Dolly Parton was one of ours. She grew up in the hills of Sevier County, right here in Tennessee's First District, and no matter how big her star got, she never stopped being one of us." She said Parton's love "for these mountains will outlast every one of us."

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tennessee, said Parton's "philanthropic work helped provide greater access to education for countless young Tennesseans" and called her "the very best of the American Dream."

The Tennessee Democratic Party called Parton "a true Tennessee trailblazer," saying she "turned her namesake Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, into one of the world's top amusement destinations" and "invested in the region's economy and communities."