Dolly Parton Chose the Song She Wanted at Her Funeral Years Before Her Death

Long before her death, Dolly Parton had already thought about one of the most personal details of her eventual farewell: the song she wanted played at her funeral.

In a 2014 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Parton revealed that she wanted the gospel hymn “If We Never Meet Again” to be sung at her funeral. The choice carried a deeply personal connection to her family because the song had been a favorite of her father, Lee Parton, and was also performed at his funeral in 2000.

The choice may surprise fans who might have expected one of Parton’s biggest hits, such as “I Will Always Love You,” to serve as her final musical farewell.

Instead, Parton chose a song rooted in faith, family, and memories of her father.

A Song With Deep Family Meaning

For Parton, music was never simply entertainment. Her songs were often connected to her upbringing, her faith, and the people who shaped her life.

That makes her choice particularly poignant. Rather than selecting the song most closely associated with her fame, she chose one that reminded her of home and her family.

The hymn’s message of reunion after death also gives the choice an especially emotional meaning.

She Had Thought About It Years Earlier

Parton’s funeral request wasn’t something decided at the last minute.

She had discussed it publicly more than a decade before her death, showing that she had considered how she wanted to be remembered long before the moment arrived.

Her decision is now taking on new significance following her death at age 80 on August 25, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

Her family has planned a private service, while tributes from fans and fellow entertainers continue around the world.

More Than a Final Song

Parton’s funeral choice offers a glimpse into the woman behind the enormous public persona.

She was known globally for songs such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” but her connection to family and faith remained central to her identity.

And perhaps that’s why her choice feels so fitting.

After a career spanning generations, Dolly Parton didn’t choose the biggest hit of her career for her final farewell.

She chose a song that reminded her of the people she loved—and the hope of seeing them again.

A final song. A family memory. And a farewell she had quietly chosen years before.