Dolly Parton’s Cousin Says Singer Even Kept Health Issues From Family: ‘She Always Wanted to Keep Everybody Being Positive Around Her’

Richie Owens, a Parton family historian and cousin, shared details regarding the death of country icon Dolly Parton. Owens clarified that the event was a small burial rather than a funeral, reflecting the singer's wish to minimize costs so funds could be directed toward charity. He further revealed that Dolly Parton previously concealed her health issues from her family members to ensure that those around her remained positive during her final days of life.