READING, Pa. — “Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness.”
Those words came from Dolly Parton’s nephew, Brian Seaver.
In a video posted to Dolly Parton’s social media accounts Tuesday, Brian announced her death at 80 years old.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” Seaver said.
From the Tennessee mountains to stages around the world, Dolly became one of music’s most recognizable stars.
“Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent,” Seaver said.
Some of those memories were made right here in Reading, where Dolly performed at least twice at what was then known as the Sovereign Center during her career.
Berks County country musician Pat Garrett remembers meeting Dolly years ago while she was recording at a studio in Nashville.
Garrett says he watched part of her recording session. But it’s what happened as he left that he still remembers.
“I looked back in time to see her standing on the back porch, waving goodbye, with that big blonde hair and the warmest smile I’ve ever seen,” Garrett said.
Garrett ended his statement simply saying:
“Good-bye, Dolly. We all love you.”