Dolly Parton Shared a Selfless Hope for Her Illness in One of Her Last Conversations With Sister
Dolly Parton Shared a Selfless Hope for Her Illness in One of Her Last Conversations With Sister
Lara WalshThu, August 27, 2026 at 4:18 PM UTC
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Stella Parton and Dolly Parton attend Stella Parton’s Red Tent Women’s Conference on April 18, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee.Credit: Getty ImagesThe Gist -
Dolly Parton’s sister Stella broke her silence on the passing of the “Jolene” singer on August 25.
Stella revealed how Dolly planned to use her illness to help people as a final act of generosity before her death.
Dolly’s rep confirmed that the “9 to 5” singer had a “brief battle with cancer” before her death at 80.
Dolly Parton’s sister Stella is opening up about one of the late singer’s last acts of generosity before her death at 80. Two days after the “Jolene” singer’s passing on August 25, Stella broke her silence with an emotional Facebook tribute, where she revealed how Dolly planned to use her health issues to help others in her final days.
“My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday. If anyone gets to heaven I’m sure she made it right on time. I know she’s showing out big time, in all her sparkles and shine. That was my sister’s way,” Stella—who’s also a fellow singer and songwriter—began her lengthy post.
Dolly Parton and Stella Parton at the ‘Dolly Parton’s Coat Of Many Colors’ premiere on December 2, 2015 in Hollywood, California.Credit: Getty Images
The 77-year-old also touched on her sister’s illness before her death, sharing, “My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known. 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 “9 to 5” singer’s rep confirmed that Dolly passed away after a “brief battle with cancer.” The type of cancer has not been disclosed.
Stella Parton, Freida Parton, and Dolly Parton at Bearsville Studios in North Hollywood, California on January 15, 1981.Credit: Getty Images
Stella—who was one of Dolly’s 11 siblings—also shared a rare glimpse into their sister relationship out of the spotlight. Stella, who starred in Dolly’s film Coat of Many Colors, recounted a sweet morning ritual that they shared every Tuesday that had its roots in their childhood growing up on a farm.
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“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. Being little farm girls we’ve continued to be early risers,” Stella shared, adding, “As she liked to say; ‘shoot Tedda, we get more work done before the sun comes up than most folks do all day long!’ We would catch up on gossip, as sisters do, and drink coffee, and make plans as it has always been our way.”
Dolly Partonat the Four Seasons Hotel in London on June 29, 2023.Credit: Getty Images
Just four days before her death, Parton made rare comments on her health issues after canceling a planned appearance at the NightFlight Expedition ride opening at Dollywood theme park.
“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” she said of her late husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in 2025.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
