Dolly Parton's niece honors her at funeral with moving Instagram tribute

Dolly Parton was laid to rest in Nashville after passing away peacefully at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center following a brief cancer battle. The next day, her niece Lainey Mae Parton posted a poignant Instagram tribute, expressing how the iconic singer consistently made her feel worthy and encouraged her ambitions. Lainey Mae remembered being invited to record on the "Smoky Mountain DNA" album while still in high school and praised Parton's calming presence during the session.

She also recounted Parton's financial assistance that enabled her to attend beauty school and launch her career, emphasizing the singer's role as a surrogate mother since she could not have children of her own. The tribute highlighted cherished memories, including shared film work and late-night phone calls, and conveyed Lainey Mae's gratitude for being able to call her "Granny."