Dolly Parton’s Cousin Says Singer Even Kept Health Issues From Family: ‘She Always Wanted to Keep Everybody Being Positive Around Her’
Parton family historian Richie Owens also revealed that last week's reported "funeral" was actually a simple "burial" to avoid spending money that could go to charity.
The family archivist of Dolly Parton revealed on Thursday that the country music icon, who passed away on August 25 at 80, kept her health issues from her own family, including her first cousin Richie Owens. Parton, known for her upbeat demeanor, opted to share only positive messages with the public, even as she battled cancer. Owens explained that she had been posting her health struggles on social media, but her family remained unaware of the full extent of her condition.
Despite her preference to downplay her health issues, Parton frequently mentioned them in her posts to encourage hope and positivity. Owens noted that her cousin kept the funeral private, with only a few close family members present, aligning with her wish to avoid spending on a grand celebration and instead support charitable causes.
Parton was buried beside her late husband Carl Dean in a small, private ceremony in Nashville, as she had wished.
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