Dolly Parton, the iconic singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, quietly battled cancer in the months leading up to her death on Aug. 25. During her private health crisis, Parton expressed a willingness to be a test subject for experimental drugs if her own treatment options were exhausted, according to her sister, Stella Parton.
Stella Parton shared on Facebook that her sister's generosity and thoughtfulness were defining characteristics. "My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known," Stella 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."
Parton's family confirmed her death after a brief cancer battle. She was 80 years old.
Legacy of Kindness
Stella Parton urged fans to honor her sister's legacy by showing kindness and lifting others up. "My sister was always thinking of others and if you want to honor her legacy, show more kindness, lift others up and give more of your time and resources as she continued to do to the very end," she wrote.
The family announced that a small, private service would be held for immediate loved ones, honoring Parton's wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the literacy program she founded.
Parton's nephew shared that she wanted to be buried in a bed of soft cotton, seeking comfort after a lifetime of elaborate stage attire. "Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy; he farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness," he said.
Parton's career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on music and culture with hits such as "I Will Always Love You," "Islands in the Stream," "9-5," and "Jolene."