Dolly Parton’s Niece Reveals How Her Own Cancer Diagnosis Led Her To Suspect Dolly Was Sick
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Dolly Parton’s Niece Danielle Named New Brand Ambassador
Earlier this month, Dolly Parton’s Estate named Dolly’s niece, Danielle Parton, as its newest brand ambassador.
According to a press release from the estate, Danielle reflects the same spirit that has helped make Dolly a cultural icon. Danielle has worked as both a commercial airline pilot and a military veteran, earning recognition for her independence and strong work ethic.
After completing 20 years of military service, Danielle shifted her focus to entrepreneurship. She went on to found Shine Girl, a moonshine distillery and retail destination located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Dolly passed away on August 25 after a brief battle with cancer, although she kept that journey very private. And just a few months after her death, Danielle is now opening up about her own experience with cancer.
During an October 22 interview with Extra, Danielle revealed that her cancer was diagnosed at stage zero and caught early. She also recalled telling Dolly about her diagnosis just weeks before the country music legend died.
“I’m going through a little bit of a cancer battle myself right now,” Danielle said in the interview.
Danielle said her aunt was devastated by the news, and Dolly’s reaction made her suspect that she was facing a cancer battle of her own.
“I didn’t know, like anybody else, what she was dealing with. I knew she was sick,” she continued. “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 is the daughter of Dolly’s brother, Bobby Lee Parton and Doris Maxine Noland. You can watch her entire interview below.
