Dolly Parton’s niece Danielle Parton is opening up about her own cancer battle two months after her aunt died from an undisclosed type of cancer at age 80.
“I’m going through a little bit of a cancer battle myself right now,” Danielle, 50, said in an interview with Extra published on Thursday, October 22. “I’m OK.”
Though she did not share further details, Danielle added that she’s “stage zero,” meaning her doctors “caught it early.” She also shared that Dolly took the news of her cancer “really heavy,” which led Danielle to figure out that Dolly was fighting her own battle.
“I didn’t know, like anybody else, what she was dealing with. I knew she was sick,” Danielle recalled. “And so she was just devastated that I was going through it, and I remember telling her, I’m like, ‘Look, you’ve gotta get it together. It ain’t that deep. I just wanted you to know ‘cause I was having a biopsy.’”
Danielle — who is the daughter of Bobby Lee Parton and Doris Maxine Noland — added of her aunt, “She worried more about everybody else before she would ever let you know anything was wrong with her.”
Dolly’s rep confirmed her death via a statement on August 25.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” the statement read. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”
The statement continued: “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Dolly’s rep later revealed that she died “after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer.”
On Thursday, the “9 to 5” singer’s estate appointed Danielle as its new brand ambassador.
“She loved us deeply, believed in big dreams, and she always encouraged me to find my way in this world,” Danielle said of her aunt in a video shared via Instagram on Wednesday, October 21.
She added, “Like so many of you, losing her has changed something for me. It made me think of the stories, values, and lessons that she left behind, and the responsibility that our family has to care for them. I would never try to speak for Dolly, and I’m not crazy enough to try to fill her shoes. God knows I couldn’t walk on them without killing myself.”
Danielle then promised to “share the woman that I knew.”
“I can tell some of the stories of her, the stories behind the global icon, and support the people carrying forward the work that she cared for and created to make sure what she built continues to bring people joy,” she concluded. “I’m so grateful to help care for a legacy that means so much not only to my family but to all of you.”
The video featured a clip of Dolly introducing her niece.
In the caption, Danielle wrote, “Being a Parton means hard work, big dreams and never forgetting where you came from. I’m proud to be part of that legacy and to carry it on in my own way. 🩷.”
