Dolly Parton’s niece reveals new details about her secret cancer battle before her death
New details have been revealed about Dolly Parton’s secret cancer battle in the wake of her death at age 80.
The country singer chose to keep her cancer journey “real private” according to her niece Jada Star, who explained why in a new interview.
Dolly Parton chose to keep her cancer diagnosis private in the weeks leading up to her death according to her family. Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP
Speaking with Extra on September 1, Star spoke about the death of the beloved country icon and revealed that she chose to hide the diagnosis so it didn’t worry people.
“She never wanted to worry anybody. So I think it was just a shock,” Star said of her aunt’s death in late August.
The cancer Parton was diagnosed with has not been revealed publicly.
Star explained the outpouring of love for Parton’s family and the singer herself after her death has been “bittersweet.”
But reflecting on her passing, Star admitted it has been “really difficult” and “very surreal”.
“All of these tributes have helped so much to help us all through it,” she said.
“I can’t remember a life without her. She would also tell us to start drying it up and start trying to get back to work and love each other real hard. She was just a trip.”
Jada Star said the tributes to her beloved aunt Dolly have been “bittersweet”. Instagram/@jadastarmusic
Parton’s death was first announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who released a video message on her social media platforms.
Her reps followed up with a statement that read, “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.
Dolly died on August 25, following a brief battle with cancer, her family shared the devastating news with the world. Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement concluded.
She was laid to rest over the weekend at an intimate funeral in Nashville, attended by a selection of her closest family and friends.
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