Dolly Parton's sister Stella has revealed that only a small circle of close relatives knew the country music legend was suffering from cancer before her death, saying Dolly deliberately kept the diagnosis private so as not to worry those around her. Speaking to Gayle King in her first interview since Dolly's death, Stella explained that this instinct extended to fans too, as Dolly disliked dwelling on negativity and did not want her illness to cause sadness among those who loved her.

Dolly Parton died in Nashville on 25 August at the age of 80 following what her team called a brief battle with cancer, though the family has not disclosed which type she had. Despite cancelling several public appearances over her final year, she continued working on numerous projects, leaving behind a roadmap of music, film and television plans. Stella also disclosed that Dolly had been willing to try experimental treatments even without hope of recovery, if it might help future patients, and said she would be gratified by the huge outpouring of public tributes, with Parton becoming the world's most-streamed artist the day after her death.