Dolly Parton reportedly sought experimental treatment in Germany

22 Sep 2026, 12:36 by Theresa Braine · The Seattle Times

Dolly Parton secretly spent a week in Germany last year undergoing experimental cancer treatment, according to a new report.

The singer, actress and philanthropist took a private jet to Frankfurt in secret about a year before her death, TMZ reported Tuesday, citing “sources familiar with the situation.”

She died on Aug. 25 at age 80 after a “brief battle with cancer,” her nephew and publicist revealed to a world in shock, without defining the word “brief.” The form of cancer she died of has not been disclosed.

Parton had bowed out of several engagements in the preceding year. In a video canceling her Las Vegas residency in May, Parton mentioned she was suffering from some health issues that cropped up while she was caring for her late husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025.

It’s not clear whether Parton knew her diagnosis or prognosis at the time. She alluded to kidney stones and digestive issues but did not elaborate.

“I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” she told People four days before her death, the same day she was admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville.

Parton’s sister Stella revealed in an interview after the singer’s death that Parton kept her diagnosis close to the vest to avoid upsetting loved ones and fans. The world’s shock and sadness at her death showed the family how loved her sister had been, Stella said, which has supported them in their grief.

Parton felt that the treatment was effective and helpful in restoring some of her strength, TMZ reported. The Daily News reached out to Parton’s representative for confirmation but did not hear back before publication time.