After Dolly Parton died at 80 following a brief battle with cancer, niece Jada Star tells Extra TV the family kept details private because Dolly didn’t want to worry people and preferred to handle illness within the family.
It's hard to believe it's been over a week since the queen of country music, Dolly Parton, passed away at 80 years old in Nashville, Tennessee.
She is of course a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully in her home state.
# What happened Dolly Parton died at age 80 in Nashville after what her representatives described as a "brief battle with cancer." Her death was announced after immediate family had already gathered for a small private service, held at her request.
# Why the family kept it private In an interview with Extra TV, Jada Star—Parton's niece and a musician featured on the 2024 Parton family album Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables—said the family intentionally kept Dolly's health issues out of public view. Jada said Dolly "never wanted to worry anybody," and that approach is why many fans learned the full extent of her illness only after her death. Jada described the moment of loss as "a shock," even though family members knew she had been sick.
# How the family is responding
# Funeral and burial details At Dolly's request a small private service for immediate family was held. A nephew, Bryan Seaver, previously shared on social media that Dolly would be buried in her signature high heels and a comfortable cotton dress in the mausoleum at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, where her husband Carl Dean is buried.
Parton's team released a statement honoring her seven-decade career and philanthropic work, noting her music and songwriting as well as her warmth and kindness. The statement described her life as a "rhinestone life" and referenced the continued resonance of her songs and charitable efforts.
# What Jada Star contributed musically Jada Star is one of the family members who joined Dolly on the 2024 family album Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables. She recorded a song with Dolly called "The Orchard," which was mentioned in coverage of the family's response.
# Takeaway for readers The family's choice to keep Dolly Parton's health private reflects her own preference not to alarm people. That private approach meant fans learned fuller details only after her death, which added to the sense of surprise for many. Family members say the global tributes have offered them comfort while they grieve.
Jada Star told ExtraTV the family kept her aunt’s hospitalizations and health issues to themselves — which is partly why the news landed as a shock to many.
Jada Star told ExtraTV the family kept her aunt’s hospitalizations and health issues to themselves — which is partly why the news landed as a shock to many. View Entire Post ›
Jada Star said Dolly Parton's death has been “really difficult and very surreal” for the family.
Dolly Parton acknowledged that she was dealing with health problems, but few people knew the full extent of her illness before her death. Continue reading…
I don't know, but it seems to me country is going to be America's dominant music genre. I can't go anywhere without hearing it! I welcome this change as a sign that Americans are becoming more in touch with their tradition and heritage. Continue reading…
Loading more related stories...
Open the app view to save this story, compare related coverage, and continue from the same source.