Stella Parton explains why Dolly's cancer type was not disclosed
Stella Parton told CBS Mornings that her sister Dolly kept details of her cancer private out of personal preference, and reflected on Dolly's optimism and peace at the end of her life.
Dolly Parton died on Aug. 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, but her family has not revealed the specific type of the disease. On CBS Mornings, her sister Stella Parton said the decision to keep the diagnosis private was Dolly's own business, adding that Dolly never explicitly asked the family to conceal it but also did not give permission to discuss it publicly. > "Well, that was her business," Stella said when asked why the details were withheld. > "So out of respect for her ... it’s not my business to tell her business," she explained.
Stella said the last request Dolly made of her was for prayer, and she remembered her sister's optimism. > "I don't miss her struggling in pain. I know she was at peace," she said, adding that Dolly seemed prepared for her passing.
Days before her death, Dolly had spoken to People magazine about dealing with health issues but remained active in her work. Her death was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver in a video posted to social media. A private funeral was held on Aug. 28 at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, attended by close family members, and she was buried beside her late husband, Carl Dean.
Dolly had previously indicated she wanted a small, private service and had mentioned a favorite gospel song, "If We Never Meet Again," to be played at her funeral, a wish she shared in a 2014 interview.