Dolly Parton's niece, singer Jada Star, explained why the country superstar was determined to keep her cancer diagnosis secret until the end.

Dolly Parton's niece, singer Jada Star, explained why the country superstar was determined to keep her cancer diagnosis secret until the end.

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.

Jada Star paid tribute to her aunt with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville