Dolly Parton's niece named estate's brand ambassador
Dolly Parton's niece, Danielle Parton, has been named the new brand ambassador for the late country music legend's estate, nearly two months after the singer's death.
Danielle announced her new role in an Instagram video shared Thursday, reflecting on her relationship with her aunt and her plans to help preserve the singer's legacy.
"Like so many of you, losing her has changed something for me," Danielle said. "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."
Dolly died Aug. 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
In her new role, Danielle will help celebrate her aunt's life and accomplishments while offering a personal perspective on the woman behind the music, according to a press release announcing the appointment.
Danielle, a military veteran who served for 20 years and now works as a pilot and entrepreneur, said she has no intention of trying to replace her famous aunt.
"I'm not crazy enough to try to fill her shoes. God knows I couldn't walk on them without killing myself," she joked.
Instead, Danielle said she hopes to share memories of the woman her family affectionately called "Aunt Granny."
"Yes, Dolly Parton was my aunt, but to me, she will always be Aunt Granny," she said. "She loved us deeply, believed in big dreams, and she always encouraged me to find my way in this world."
The two shared a close relationship, with Dolly delivering a speech at Danielle's military retirement ceremony in 2025.
Danielle, who is also involved in the moonshine distillery business, said she hopes to continue supporting the projects and causes that mattered to her aunt.
"Being a Parton means hard work, big dreams and never forgetting where you came from," she wrote in the Instagram caption. "I'm proud to be part of that legacy and to carry it on in my own way."
