Jada Star, niece of the late country music legend Dolly Parton, has shared insights into the family's decision to keep Parton's health issues private, a choice that contributed to the shock felt by many upon her death.
Parton died last week at age 80 after a "brief battle with cancer," according to a statement from her representatives. The news came as a surprise, partly because the family had maintained a guarded approach to her well-being. "You know, we kind of kept all that stuff real private," Star told ExtraTV. "She never wanted to worry anybody, so I think it was just a shock on Tuesday."
Parton had previously alluded to unspecified health concerns, leading to the postponement and eventual cancellation of a planned 2025 Las Vegas residency. In August, she withdrew from an appearance at her Dollywood theme park, humorously remarking that her doctor had "clipped my wings" and restricted her travel.
In an interview conducted just days before her passing, Parton acknowledged to People magazine that she had been dealing with "some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to" prior to the death of her husband, Carl Dean. Despite these challenges, she expressed a determination to continue her creative endeavors.
"Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin,’ I’m still workin’!
" Parton stated. "You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life."
She was looking forward to creative projects, including "Dolly: A True Original Musical," scheduled to open on Broadway in early 2027. Star, also a country musician, is committed to honoring her aunt's legacy through her own music. "Everything she taught me, I’ll use in everything I do, for sure," Star said.
Jada Star, along with fellow artists Carly Pearce and Jelly Roll, paid tribute to Parton at a concert at the Grand Ole Opry. Star shared that her aunt would often encourage them to "start drying it up and start trying to get back to work and love each other real hard."