Reps for the country singer revealed she had died following a brief battle with cancer in a statement after her death

Jada Star told ExtraTV the family kept her aunt’s hospitalizations and health issues to themselves — which is partly why the news landed as a shock to many.

Dolly Parton’s niece Jada is opening up about the country music icon’s final days and the emotions that followed her death. In an interview with Extra, Jada, the daughter of Dolly’s sister Freida Parton and musician Mark Andersen,

Dolly Parton's niece, Jada Star, was a surprise guest at the Grand Ole Opry's show held in the late legend's honor.

Just days after Dolly Parton's death, Carly Pearce, Jelly Roll and niece Jada Star helped Grand Ole Opry fans say goodbye in a joyful farewell.