Dolly Parton’s final gift to fans: Music icon has an unreleased song kept in a locked box in Dollywood that will be released on her 100th birthday

Dolly Parton has left fans one final gift with an unreleased song which is set to be released on her 100th birthday in 20 years time. 

It was announced on Tuesday that the music icon had died at the age of 80, with her death confirmed in an Instagram video posted by her nephew Bryan Seaver. 

And as fans mourn the death of the Jolene hitmaker, she has one more track for fans kept on a CD in a locked box at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort in Tennessee.

Titled ‘My Place In History,’ Dolly wrote the song back in 2015, the same year she opened the DreamMore Resort in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

‘I don’t know if I want to live to be 100 or not. But you never know,’ Dolly wrote in her 2020 book, Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics. 

‘I might, and if I do, I’m going to be at that opening.’

Titled ‘My Place In History’, Dolly wrote the song back in 2015, and it is kept on a CD in a locked box at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort in Tennessee

‘There’s no telling what music is going to be by then,’ she joked: ‘Hopefully, it will play and the whole thing ain’t rotted.’

The song is contained in a chestnut ‘Dream Box’ displayed in a glass case and also features a piece of wood from the front porch of her childhood home in Sevierville, Tennessee, where she grew up singing with her 11 siblings.

Dolly‘s private cancer battle has been revealed following the heartbreaking news of her death at the age of 80 on Tuesday.

The legendary country singer’s death shocked the world and came after months of health woes that saw her pull out of a string of public appearances, fuelling fan fears for her wellbeing. 

Those close to the singer said she had both become increasingly reclusive and secretive about her own ill health in recent months. 

And now, Dolly’s representatives revealed she died following a ‘brief battle with cancer‘ in a statement to People, though they did not disclose what type of cancer it was.

‘Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched,’ the statement read.

‘After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.’

Her representatives also highlighted the extraordinary reach of Parton’s ‘unmatched generosity’, noting she touched the lives of countless people she would never meet and was always ready to ‘offer a helping hand’. 

‘Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.’

Despite her cancer battle, Parton remained optimistic and leaned on her deep Christian faith for strength in the last few months.

‘I don’t know if I want to live to be 100 or not. But you never know,’ Dolly wrote in her 2020 book, Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics (pictured in 2014) 

‘From the time that Dolly Parton was born, she was surrounded by faith, by God, by Jesus. Her grandfather was a preacher. Even in her Broadway show, she shows how much faith means to her,’ a source told People.

Meanwhile audience members gasped as news of the singer’s death was announced minutes before a performance of 9 To 5: The Musical.

The news broke just as the cast of 9 To 5: The Musical, which is touring the UK after a hit West End run, were about to go on stage at the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing, West Sussex. 

Actress Karla Tracey, who plays Parton’s character Doralee in the production, broke the news to the shocked audience on opening night.

‘Before we begin tonight’s performance of 9 to 5,’ Tracey told the crowd, ‘we would like to take a moment to remember the remarkable Dolly Parton, who has sadly passed away today.

She continued after audible gasps around the theatre: ‘9 to 5 was originally written and produced by Dolly, whose extraordinary talent, creativity, and spirit are woven into every part of this work.

‘Tonight, we will perform the piece as she intended with great respect and affection for the woman whose vision brought it to life.’

‘As we begin, we dedicate tonight’s performance to Dolly Parton, with our deepest thanks for the music, laughter and joy she gave us.’

Paul Jepson, Landmark Theatres chief executive and the musical’s director, said in a statement: ‘We would like to take a moment to remember the remarkable Dolly Parton.

‘Our thoughts are with Dolly’s family, friends and all those around the world who loved and admired her.

‘It has been an honour for all of us to work on this show, originally written and produced by Dolly, whose extraordinary talent, creativity and spirit are woven into every part.’