Dolly Parton Speaks Out About Beloved Niece’s Cancer Battle

Her family’s experience with beating cancer has truly inspired this country legend and she’s sharing that story with people to help encourage their faith and foster hope in times of great need.

Dolly Parton recently opened up about her beloved little niece, Hannah, and her battle with cancer during an appearance at the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee. The hospital had played a major role in Hannah’s recovery and treatment for the cancer – so Dolly thought there wasn’t a better time to share her story.

“Many years ago, my little niece, Hannah was diagnosed with leukemia and she was treated right here at this wonderful hospital,” Dolly revealed while sitting next to Hannah, now 28. “When Hannah was little, she had chemo and didn’t have any hair. Now, look at all of her hair! All that treatment was here at Vanderbilt.”

The country superstar just adores her niece and threw her a loving look complete with a beaming smile as she continued sharing the story.

“She got well,” said Dolly. “She was treated here for four years. Rachel and Hannah’s dad Richard [were] here all the time to take care of her. It’s so important to take care of children whether they’re sick or whether they’re well, especially when they are not feeling good.”

“We were exhausted and we were frightened,” said Rachel, Dolly’s sister. “But we had such good care. The doctors and nurses took us step-by-step what was going to happen, when and what to do.”

Truly, this story of overcoming obstacles with faith and hope in the face of adversity is an inspiration to anyone. Along with this story of inspiration, Dolly brought smiles and laughter to all who listened to her speak with her bright and bubbly personality.

Watch the video of Dolly Parton telling her story below.