Stella Parton explains why Dolly kept her cancer fight private

Stella Parton disclosed to Gayle King that Dolly intentionally kept her cancer diagnosis private to avoid upsetting fans and loved ones. According to Stella, only a small circle of close family members knew about the disease. Dolly passed away at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville on Aug. 25, aged 80, following a short struggle with an unspecified cancer.

Her representatives described her death as occurring after "bravely facing a brief battle with cancer." No details about the cancer type or how long she had been ill were released. The news prompted worldwide tributes from fans, fellow artists, and public figures, celebrating her six-decade legacy in music and entertainment.