New details have emerged surrounding country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton's quiet battle with cancer and her ensuing private funeral.
New details have emerged about country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton's private battle with cancer and the quiet burial that followed.
In a Sept. 3 interview with TODAY, Parton's first cousin, Richie Owens, shared that the country music legendkept her health struggles private from even some family members in the time leading up to her death, choosing instead to keep everyone optimistic.
Parton died Aug. 25 in Nashville.
Parton was laid to rest during a private family funeral in Nashville on Aug. 28, her great-niece, Lainey Parton, confirmed on Instagram. She was buried at Woodlawn Memorial
Park and Mausoleum in Nashville alongside her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, who preceded her in death in 2025.
Here's what else to know.
Why Dolly Parton kept her cancer battle private
Owens, a longtime musical collaborator of Parton and the Parton family historian, appeared on TODAY on Sept. 3 to discuss her life and legacy.
“She of course posted herself that she had been going through health problems, but no one really knew what a lot of that was, including myself,” Owens told Today. “She always kept things private because she always wanted to keep everybody being positive around her and put that out there in the world. Just, ‘Don’t worry about me, I’m going to be fine.’ Just show the love.”
Why Dolly Parton wanted a small, private burial
“She wanted to keep it very quiet,” Owens added. “The word keeps getting brought up, ‘funeral,’ and I don’t believe that was really the case in this situation. It was a burial, to be buried beside her husband."
“And she wanted it very small, and a few family members were there,” he continued.
“Other people that I’m sure would’ve liked to have been there were either out doing other things and stuff. It was very quiet, very quickly done, and not for any bad reasons whatsoever, it’s just that’s what she wanted. She wanted to keep it very, very private.”
News of the "9 to 5" singer's death was first announced in a video message shared on social media by her nephew, Bryan Seaver.
"Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens," said Seaver, who also worked as her head of security for two decades.
Where is Dolly Parton buried?
Following Parton's death, her family announced that a small private funeral would be held for immediate family, at her request.
She is buried at Nashville's Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum. Her headstone is engraved with a mountain scene featuring a wood cabin and barn. Dean's name is on the right side of the marker with Parton's on the left, The Tennessean previously reported.
According tofindagrave.com, more than 70 people with the "famous memorial" designation are buried at Woodlawn. While the majority of those people are musicians, it also includes famous athletes and politicians.
What was Dolly Parton's cause of death?
Parton died after a battle with an undisclosed type of cancer.
The Imagination Library founder died surrounded by loved ones at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, where she had been hospitalized since Aug. 21.
Dolly Parton's death followed months of health concerns
In the past year, Parton faced a series of health concerns that affected her public appearances and professional commitments.
In September 2025, Parton was unable to attend the announcement of Dollywood's newest attraction because of ongoing health issues. Later that month, those same concerns prompted the postponement of her planned Las Vegas residency until 2026.
The country superstar announced the health update with her beloved trademark wit.
"As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures," Parton said in a statement to social media. "As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile checkup, although it's not my usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!"
The health challenges fueled speculation about Parton's condition and prompted rumors of her death, which she addressed the only way she knew how: with humor and a smile.
In an Oct. 8, 2025, video captioned, "I ain't dead yet!" Parton assured fans she was in good health and continuing to work on various projects.
"I know that lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I'm working hard here!" she said. "I want you to know that I'm okay. I've got some problems as I mentioned. Back when my husband Carl was very sick, I was for a long time and when he passed, I didn't take care of myself so I let a lot of things go that I should've been taking care of."
Parton added that her doctors had told her it was nothing major at the time, although the cancellations were necessary so she could remain closer to home and her physicians.
"I'm not ready to die yet," she continued. "I don't think God is through with me and I ain't done working."
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Dolly Parton's cousin reveals why she kept cancer diagnosis private
