Why Dolly Parton kept her cancer battle private? Truth comes out

Dolly Parton reportedly kept her cancer diagnosis a secret from her fans as she didn't want them to worry.

Stella Parton, sister of the late renowned country singer, told RadarOnline that the decision to keep mum about Dolly's health crisis was intentional.

"Well, Dolly did not want anybody to tell that because Dolly could not bear negative things, and she would not have wanted her fans worried about it," she shared.

Stella further said, "She didn't want a lot of the family worried about it. Some of us knew, the ones that were closer, but not every relative."

"She'd be really happy and delighted that people have shown her so much love because she knew that would make us feel better as her family," she noted.

For those unaware, Dolly passed away on August 25, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer. She was 80.

“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” Dolly's spokesperson said in a statement at that time.

“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family," a representative added.