Dolly Parton's sister, Stella Parton, has revealed why the country music legend chose to keep her cancer diagnosis private from most of her fans and even parts of her own family before her death. Speaking ahead of a CBS Mornings interview airing on 10 September, Stella explained that Dolly "could not bear negative things" and did not want her fans or wider family to worry about her illness. This sheds light on the singer's final months and reflects the intensely private approach she took to her health, in contrast to her famously warm and open public persona.

Dolly Parton died on Tuesday 25 August at the age of 80 following what was described as a "brief battle with cancer," with only close family members aware of her condition beforehand. Stella noted that Dolly would have welcomed the outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians after her death, believing it would reassure her family that her life's work was truly appreciated. The article also recaps highlights of Parton's career, including her rise to fame on The Porter Wagoner Show from 1967, her decision to go solo in 1974 (prompting her to write "I Will Always Love You"), ten Grammy Awards, multiple Hall of Fame inductions, and her philanthropic Imagination Library programme.