The nation continues to reel after the death of Dolly Parton on Tuesday, August 25. Perhaps only the passing of rock giant Elvis Presley in 1977 at Graceland can compare with the country legend's shocking, sudden death at 80. Her fans are bereft and heartbroken. Other country stars are fondly recalling their relationships with her. We did not expect to lose Dolly Parton this way; we all fervently hoped the sad day would never come. In the days and weeks before she passed, Parton did share that she was experiencing health issues. However, the beloved "Jolene" singer didn't disclose that she had cancer. Why not? Parton's niece addressed that question. Her response says a lot about the kind of person Dolly Parton was.
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"She Never Wanted To Worry Anybody"
The singer's niece, Jada Star, shared this information with Extra on Tuesday, September 1. "She never wanted to worry anybody. So I think it was just a shock," Star confided to the outlet. Per People, we know that Parton recently had "kidney and autoimmune issues." She tried to reassure her fans via occasional video messages that she was doing okay. Some of Parton's public appearances during this period had to be postponed or done virtually.
Per the outlet, "Then, on Aug. 21, Parton was admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville." She was gone just four days later.
The Countless Tributes Are a Comfort to Parton's Family
Niece Jada Star commented to the outlet, "All of these tributes have helped so much to help us all through it. I can't remember a life without her. 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."
Star herself participated in one of the tributes. The storied Grand Ole Opry had a sold-out concert in Dolly Parton's memory on Saturday, August 29. According to People, "...Star led the musical tributes with a rendition of 'The Orchard.'"
Other country music greats on hand, per Page Six, included Jelly Roll, Kathy Mattea, Channing Wilson, Carly Pearce, and more. In fact, Jelly teamed with Pearce for a rendition of Parton's song, "9 to 5" from the film of that name.
