Dolly Parton's niece Danielle named estate brand ambassador. – The Tennessean

Dolly Parton’s niece Danielle named estate brand ambassador.  The Tennessean

Dolly Parton's legacy is staying in the family, right down to the blonde hair and bright smile. Danielle Parton, the country music legend's niece, has been named the official brand ambassador of the Dolly Parton Estate, taking on a public-facing role in preserving her aunt's legacy and helping carry forward the business empire she built. The announcement came Oct. 23, nearly two months after the "9 to 5" singer died at age 80. In a video announcing her new role, Dolly makes the introduction. "Ladies and gentlemen, my niece Danielle Parton," the entertainer said before Danielle appeared. The two women share more than a last name, including a sharp sense of humor.

But Danielle makes one thing clear: She's not trying to fill Dolly's shoes. "I would never try to speak for Dolly, and I'm not crazy enough to try to fill her shoes. God knows I couldn't walk on them without killing myself," Danielle joked. "What I can do is share the woman that I knew." Danielle grew up in East Tennessee, where she knew the international superstar by a different name: Aunt Granny. "She loved us deeply, believed in big dreams, and she always encouraged me to find my way in this world," Danielle said in the video. "For me, that path led to the sky." The daughter