Stella Parton explains why Dolly Parton's cancer type remained private

Stella Parton has addressed why the specific type of cancer that led to the death of her sister, country music icon Dolly Parton, was never publicly disclosed. Speaking to CBS Morning, Stella stated that the diagnosis was “her own business.”

Dolly Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 following a “short battle with cancer.” Stella explained that because Dolly never explicitly asked the family to keep the diagnosis secret, they did not feel they had permission to share it, noting, “out of respect for her... it is not my business to share her personal matters.”

In an interview with People magazine shortly before her death, Dolly Parton had mentioned facing “difficult times with her health” while continuing to work. Her death was announced by her nephew, Brian Silver, via Instagram, and a private funeral was held for close family members on August 28.