Dolly Parton Once Revealed the Heartfelt Gospel Hymn She Wished to Be Sung at Her Funeral
Following the passing of country music legend Dolly Parton at age 80 on Tuesday, August 25, admirers around the world have revisited the singer-songwriter’s past reflections on her rich musical legacy. While many anticipated that her iconic 1974 masterpiece “I Will Always Love You” would define her final farewell, Parton had long held a much more personal, faith-rooted song close to her heart for her memorial service.
The Story Behind Her Chosen Funeral Song
In a memorable 2014 retrospective interview with Entertainment Weekly, Parton candidly discussed what music she envisioned accompanying her final transition:
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The Power of “I Will Always Love You”: Parton acknowledged that her signature farewell ballad—which took on global immortality through Whitney Houston’s 1992 rendition for The Bodyguard—would likely be played, recalling how deeply she was moved when it played at Houston’s 2012 service.
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A Sacred Family Tradition: For her own service, Parton expressed a heartfelt wish for the classic country-gospel hymn “If We Never Meet Again.”
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Honoring Her Father’s Memory: The hymn held deep personal significance for Parton, as it was her father Lee Parton’s favorite song, sung by the family at his funeral in November 2000: “That was my daddy’s favorite. We did sing it at his funeral, and I would like it to be sung at mine.”
A Farewell Announced with Faith and Grace
Parton’s death was officially confirmed by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who served as her longtime head of security and had been asked by Parton years prior to deliver the message when the time came:
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Reunited in Faith: In his emotional video tribute, Seaver shared that Parton had lived in the light and was now reunited in heaven with her parents and her beloved husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March 2025.
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A Relentless Work Ethic to the End: Just days before her passing, Parton reiterated to PEOPLE her determination to keep creating, having prepared pre-recorded music and projects to ensure her artistic and philanthropic legacy continues long into the future.
