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Dolly Parton “never wanted to worry anybody,” as she battled cancer at the end of her life.
Parton died on August 25 in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80. The beloved legend opened up about unspecified “health challenges” for about a year before her passing as she canceled performances and missed in-person appearances. Parton was laid to rest over the weekend beside husband Carl Dean.
Jada Star, Parton’s niece, said in an interview with Extra that Parton “never wanted to worry anybody,” so she opted to keep details about her cancer battle out of the spotlight. “You know, we kind of kept all that stuff real private.”
“It's also been really bittersweet because of this beautiful opportunity we've had to see how much the whole world loves her,” Star said, admitting that Parton’s death also came as a “shock” to the family. “So, all of these tributes have helped so much to help us all through it. …She would also tell us to start drying it up and start trying to get back to work. And to love each other real hard. Yeah, she was just a trip.”
Star also honored her aunt when she took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday (August 29). The Opry dedicated its show to Parton, “recognizing her extraordinary life, legacy, and contributions to country music.” Others who paid tribute to the beloved legend include Carly Pearce, Jelly Roll, Tim McGraw, Lauren Alaina, Carrie Underwood and more. Parton’s family, including sisters Freida Parton and Stella Parton, shared heartfelt posts in her honor.
The official announcement issued on August 25 stated that “Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000). …At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.”