Dolly Parton's sister Stella has shared that the late country music star expressed a desire to help advance medical research during her private battle with cancer. Stella Parton revealed in a Facebook tribute that her sister, who died at age 80, offered to participate in experimental drug treatments.
"My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known," Stella Parton wrote. "What the world saw is exactly who she was, so much so, she told me recently that if there was no hope for her, she would still allow her medical team to try experimental drugs in the hope of helping others in the future."
The "I Want To Hold You In My Dreams Tonight" singer noted that Dolly was always thinking of others. Stella encouraged those wishing to honor her sister's legacy to "show more kindness, lift others up and give more of your time and resources as she continued to do to the very end."
Stella concluded her tribute by stating Dolly "left the world a better place by being in it."
Dolly Parton's family confirmed her secret cancer battle in a statement to Page Six shortly after her passing. The specific type of cancer was not disclosed. Reports also indicated the singer was hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville with kidney and autoimmune issues days before her death.
Dolly Parton will be laid to rest in a private service for immediate family in Nashville, Tennessee.
Several notable figures have paid tribute to the co-founder of Dollywood Theme Park, including Harry Styles. During his residency at Madison Square Garden, Styles dedicated a performance of "I Will Always Love You" to Parton, thanking her for her inspiration to musicians. MUSICIAN TRIBUTES "I wanna say a proper ‘thank you’ to all the musicians over the years that’ve inspired me," Styles said during his Wednesday night performance. "Dolly, we love you, thank you so much."