Dolly Parton‘s niece, Danielle Parton, is officially the new brand ambassador of her estate. The doting family member of the late legendary singer shared the news in an Instagram reel on Oct. 22 and said she is “grateful” for the new opportunity to share her aunt’s stories and support the causes that were near and dear to her heart.
“Like so many of you, losing her has changed something for me. It made me think of the stories, values, and lessons that she left behind, and the responsibility that our family has to care for them,” the 50-year-old said in the video while adding that she “will never try and speak for Dolly.”
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“I’m not crazy enough to try to fill her shoes. God knows I couldn’t walk on them without killing myself,” she joked. “What I can do is share the woman that I knew. I can tell some of the stories of her, the stories behind the global icon, and support the people carrying forward the work that she cared for and created to make sure what she built continues to bring people joy.”
In addition to speaking in the video, Danielle, who works as a pilot and is the daughter of Bobby Lee Parton and Doris Maxine, shared smiling photos of her and Dolly over the years and explained that “she will always be my Aunt Granny,” a loving nickname the “9 to 5” creator was called in her family.
“She loved us deeply, believed in big dreams, and she always encouraged me to find my way in this world.”
Danielle’s caption for the video also reflected her family pride. “Being a Parton means hard work, big dreams and never forgetting where you came from. I’m proud to be part of that legacy and to carry it on in my own way. 🩷,” it read.
Dolly died at the age of 80 on August 25, after a private battle with cancer. She and Danielle shared a “special family bond” and the icon even delivered a speech at Danielle’s military retirement in 2025.