Country music icon Dolly Parton kept her private battle with cancer hidden from most of her family during the final period of her life because she did not want her loved ones to worry, her sister Stella Parton revealed on Wednesday.
Speaking during an interview on the television program CBS Mornings on September 9, Stella Parton discussed her sister's decision to keep her health struggles out of the public spotlight.
Stella Parton explained that the late country star could not bear negative situations and did not want her fans or many of her family members to worry. She added that while the diagnosis was kept quiet from most relatives, those closest to the singer were aware of her condition.
The 77-year-old emphasized that her sister did not want to see people upset. She maintained that Dolly Parton would have been genuinely happy and thrilled by the massive outpouring of affection from the public, knowing that the support would comfort her family.
Cancer battle and final moments
Dolly Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80. Specific details regarding her cancer battle have not been made public.
Hours after her death, her spokesperson, Marcel Pariseau, told news network CNN that the singer had courageously fought a brief battle with cancer. He confirmed that she spent her final moments at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by her loved ones.
Family statements and background
The revelation follows earlier comments from the family in the days after the singer's passing. On September 3, a cousin stated that Parton had requested a small, quiet burial service. On September 6, Stella Parton urged the public to show increased compassion and wisdom following her sister's death.
Dolly Parton was an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and philanthropist whose career spanned more than six decades. Stella Parton is also a country music singer and songwriter, and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is a prominent cancer research and treatment facility located in Nashville.
