Pull a Clay Aiken
Publicly hide a secret until your parents die. The intent is to spare them shame (founded or unfounded) out of respect for their well being.
"your Mom doesn't know you date black guys?"
"no way, that'd break her heart. I'm going to Pull a Clay Aiken on this one. "
"no way, that'd break her heart. I'm going to Pull a Clay Aiken on this one. "