Stella Parton explains why details of Dolly Parton's cancer were kept private
Stella Parton told CBS Mornings that her sister chose not to disclose the type of cancer that caused her death, emphasizing respect for Dolly's privacy.
Dolly Parton died on August 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, but the specific diagnosis was not released. When asked by Gayle King on CBS Mornings why the information remained undisclosed, her sister Stella Parton said it was Dolly's personal business and that she had not asked the family to share it. > "Well, that was her business," Stella said, adding that out of respect she would not reveal the details. Stella noted that Dolly's last request was for prayers and expressed admiration for her sister's optimism, saying she did not miss her in pain and believed Dolly was at peace. Days before her death, Dolly had spoken to People magazine about dealing with health issues but remained active. Her nephew announced the death via an Instagram video, and a private funeral was held on August 28 at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville, with burial beside her late husband, Carl Dean. The service followed Dolly's earlier wishes for a small, family-only ceremony. In a 2014 interview, Dolly had mentioned a gospel song she wanted sung at her funeral, reflecting a personal preference expressed years earlier.