Dolly Parton’s cousin Richie Owens reveals why singer’s funeral was private

Dolly Parton's death was mourned around the world, but her funeral was a private affair.

One week after the country music icon's death at age 80, Richie Owens, Parton's cousin and former musical collaborator, opened up about the singer's memorial service during an interview on the "Today" show Thursday, Sept. 3.

Parton died after a brief battle with cancer, with her death triggering an outpouring of grief, from fellow Hollywood stars to everyday fans who attended makeshift memorials.

Despite the strong public reaction, the "Jolene" singer was privately laid to rest in an intimate service in Nashville on Aug. 28, Parton's niece, Lainey Mae Parton, previously confirmed on social media.

"She wanted to keep it very quiet," Owens said on "Today." "The word keeps getting brought up − a 'funeral' − and I don't believe that was really the case in this situation; it was more [of] a burial to be buried beside her husband [Carl Dean]. And she wanted it very small, and a few family members were there."

Shortly following her death, Parton's representatives confirmed that "at Dolly's request, a small, private service" would be held for immediate family. The family asked for donations to be made to…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/