The family of Dolly Parton is sharing new insights into the country music legend's final days and her decision to keep her battle with cancer private. Parton, widely celebrated as the "Queen of Country," passed away on Aug. 25 at the age of 80. Her representatives confirmed that she died at a Nashville medical center while surrounded by family, following a brief struggle with cancer.
Jada Star, Parton's niece and a singer who appeared on "Claim to Fame," spoke about the loss in an interview with Extra published on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Star described the experience as "really difficult and very surreal," though she noted that the outpouring of love from fans has been "bittersweet" and helpful for the family. "All of these tributes have helped so much to help us all through it," she told the outlet.
According to Star, the daughter of Parton's sister Frieda Parton, the decision to maintain privacy regarding the singer's health was intentional. Parton did not want to cause concern among her supporters. "She never wanted to worry anybody," Star explained. "So I think it was just a shock."
Parton had faced various medical challenges over the years, including issues with her digestive and immune systems, which had previously led to missed appearances and concert cancellations. Despite these health struggles, she appeared in high spirits during the June grand opening of her Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee, though she was rarely seen in public otherwise.
Reflecting on her aunt's personality, Star noted that Parton would not have wanted her family to grieve indefinitely. "I can't remember a life without her," Star said. "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."
The family held a private funeral service for the icon on Saturday, Aug. 29, as confirmed by her niece, Lainey Mae Parton. While specific details of the service remain private, the family has requested that donations be made to Parton's Imagination Library—which provides free books to children from birth to age 5—in lieu of flowers.
On the same day as the service, Star performed at the Grand Ole Opry alongside Jelly Roll and Carly Pearce for an official tribute to the singer. "I hope that she would have been real proud. She knows that I was a chicken," Star said, recalling the advice her aunt often gave her about not worrying about the opinions of others. When asked what she would say to Parton now, Star added, "I think I would just say thank you so much and I love you so much and I know you're okay."
