New emotional tributes from Dolly Parton’s family are revealing just how deeply the country music icon was loved beyond the spotlight. After Dolly’s private burial in Nashville on August 28, her great-niece Lainey Parton shared an emotional message describing the pain of losing the woman she called “granny.”

Lainey said she waited until after Dolly had been laid to rest before putting her feelings into words. She remembered her aunt as someone who made her feel loved, supported and confident, recalling how Dolly encouraged her dreams and helped her pursue them.

Dolly was laid to rest beside her late husband, Carl Dean, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville. The ceremony was intentionally private and attended by immediate family, in accordance with Dolly’s wishes.

At the family’s request, fans are being encouraged to honor Dolly not by sending flowers, but by supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the literacy program that became one of the most important parts of her philanthropic legacy.

The emotional farewell comes as tributes continue around the world. Just one day after the burial, Dolly’s niece Jada Star performed at the Grand Ole Opry tribute concert, while other artists joined together to celebrate the songs and legacy Dolly left behind.

Meanwhile, Dolly’s influence continues to be honored on a much larger scale. Tennessee officials have announced plans to rename Nashville International Airport in her honor, while fans continue gathering at Dollywood and other locations to leave flowers, letters and personal tributes.

One important clarification: the emotional photographs circulating online should not automatically be considered official photographs from Dolly’s private funeral. The confirmed reports describe a private family ceremony, so some images shared on social media may be edited, recreated or unrelated to the actual burial.