Dolly Parton's sister, Stella Parton, shares why the country music star kept her cancer battle private
September 9, 2026 / 8:31 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Dolly Parton's sister, Stella Parton, explained that Dolly kept her cancer battle private.
- The reason for privacy was to avoid making people sad or worried.
- Only a few close family members knew about Dolly's cancer.
- Dolly Parton died on August 25th at the age of 80 in Nashville.
- Her team announced she died after a brief battle with cancer at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
- The specific type or duration of her illness has not been disclosed.