Country music icon Dolly Parton has been laid to rest in a private ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee, with her family choosing to honour her wishes rather than hold a large public memorial.

The 80-year-old singer was buried on Friday at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum, where she was laid to rest beside her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, following their 60-year marriage.

Only close relatives attended the funeral.

Parton had made arrangements for her final resting place before her death, including a mausoleum plaque bearing her name and a photograph of the cabin in Sevier County, Tennessee, where she grew up.

Rather than a large memorial service, her family is encouraging fans to celebrate her life by supporting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the literacy organisation she founded.

The organisation provides books to children, reflecting Parton’s long-standing commitment to childhood literacy.

The decision to keep the funeral private is in line with the singer’s wishes, allowing her family to mourn away from the public spotlight while her legacy continues through her music and chThe aritable work.