Dolly Parton's younger sister, Stella Parton, has shared intimate details about the country music legend's final days, revealing her sister's unwavering commitment to helping others even in the face of a secret battle with cancer.
Stella, one of Dolly's 11 siblings, spoke about Dolly's resolute spirit, stating that the icon was prepared to "try experimental drugs" in the hope of advancing medical knowledge for future patients, even if there was no personal hope for her own recovery. "My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known," Stella stated on Facebook. "What the world saw is exactly who she was."
A Shared Routine
Stella described a long-standing ritual of sharing coffee together over the phone in the early morning hours. "Every Tuesday about this time, before the sun came up and the world was still asleep, she and I for many years had our coffee together over the phone," Stella recalled. She added that they would catch up on "gossip, as sisters do, and drink coffee and make plans as it has always been our way."
Legacy of Generosity
Dolly Parton is widely remembered for her extensive philanthropic efforts. Her Imagination Library initiative has donated millions of books to children, promoting childhood literacy. In April 2020, Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which supported research that contributed to the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Stella urged fans to honor her sister's legacy by practicing kindness, uplifting others, and contributing time and resources. "Dolly loved the world and everyone in it," Stella wrote. "She was right and she proved it everyday."
Dolly Parton was born in Pittman Center, Tennessee, in 1946. Raised in the Great Smoky Mountains with her 11 siblings in humble conditions, she developed a passion for music early on. Her career spanned six decades, producing iconic hits such as "Jolene" and "9 to 5."