Stella Parton Reveals Why Dolly Kept Her Cancer Diagnosis Private: "She Did Not Want People Sad"

Dolly Parton’s sister Stella Parton is opening up for the first time since the country legend passed away on August 25th at age 80. In an interview with Gayle King airing Thursday, September 10th on CBS Mornings, Stella shared that only a small circle of close relatives knew about Dolly’s cancer diagnosis. The secrecy was intentional. Stella said Dolly kept her illness private because she did not want the people around her to feel sad or anxious during her final months.

That instinct to protect others was classic Dolly. Even as she quietly canceled and postponed appearances over her last year, she continued working behind the scenes and never let on how serious things had become. Stella also revealed that near the end, Dolly offered to try experimental treatments, not for her own sake, but in the hope it might help future cancer patients. It’s the kind of selflessness her fans have always admired in her.

The world’s response to her passing speaks volumes. Just one day after her death, Dolly became the most-streamed artist on the planet, as millions turned to songs like“Jolene”and“I Will Always Love You”for comfort. Her music, as always, was there when we needed it.

What’s your favorite Dolly Parton memory? Share it with us in the comments.