Dolly Parton’s cousin reveals emotional final moment with star before her death: ‘She was relentless’

Dolly Parton’s cousin and former collaborator Richie Owens made an appearance on TODAY on September 3 to speak about his cousin’s loss at length.

The legendary musician and philanthropist passed away on August 25 at the age of 80. Her family hosted a private service for her burial three days later, where she was laid to rest beside her husband Carl Dean.

Richie spoke with NBC anchors Craig Melvin, Laura Jarrett and Carson Daly about the passing of his beloved cousin, how she’s the same behind the cameras as she is in the public eye, and her “very, very private” burial.

He also looked back on his final time physically spent with the “I Will Always Love You” singer, which you can watch in the video above, and also added how tireless Dolly truly was, saying: “She was relentless,” and writing songs up until the day she died, dubbing her a “workaholic” but praising her magic.

© Getty Images

Richie also clarified that she didn’t have a family “funeral,” per se, adding: “She wanted to keep it very quiet. The word keeps getting brought up, ‘funeral,’ and I don’t believe that was really the case in this situation. It was a burial, to be buried beside her husband.”

“And she wanted it very small, and a few family members were there. Other people that I’m sure would’ve liked to have been there were either out doing other things and stuff,” Richie continued. “It was very quiet, very quickly done, and not for any bad reasons whatsoever, it’s just that’s what she wanted. She wanted to keep it very, very private.”