Dolly Parton died in August, aged 80, after losing her battle with cancer, while Dean passed away in March 2025 at the age of 82.
Dolly Parton’s sister Stella has admitted she neglected herself “to a point” while caring for late husband Carl Dean.
The 9 to 5 hitmaker died in August, aged 80, after losing her battle with cancer, while Dean passed away in March 2025 at the age of 82.
Stella opened up about her sister’s death during an interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, with the host asking if she thought her sibling died of a “broken heart” after losing Carl.
Stella replied: “I think she was very sad, but I don’t think she, I don’t think that’s why she got sick. I think she worked too hard and didn’t maybe take as good of care of herself as she should have.”
When Gayle asked if Dolly had neglected herself while looking after her other half, Stella said that she had, “to a point”.
She continued: “I know their relationship was very unique and very deep and loyal. And I think it broke her heart to see him in the shape that he got to before he passed away.
“But I don’t think that’s what made her sick. I think my sister worked so hard for so long and just kept going. Even to the last conversation I had with her, she was working. That was her passion.”
Stella further opened up about Dolly’s relationship with Dean – who she married in 1966 – as she said the singer’s devotion to her husband was visibly reciprocated.
She said: “He [Carl] adored her. He was fascinated with her. He thought she was funny, like Tinkerbell — and he was quiet and shy.”
And when it came to Dolly’s star status, Stella insisted Carl didn’t care “at all”.
She smiled: “He would have rather her be at the house with her hair up in a ponytail, and barefooted, cooking in the kitchen and just messing around the house. . I think that’s what he would have preferred.
“He loved her enough to let her be what she was. That’s how I see it.”
Dolly’s representatives confirmed in a statement that she died following a “brief battle” with cancer on August 25.
They said: “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”
Dolly Parton neglected herself ‘to a point’ caring for late husband
