Country music icon Dolly Parton was ready to allow her medical team to try experimental drugs during a secret battle with cancer before her death at age 80, her sister Stella Parton revealed on Thursday.
The global music legend died on Tuesday following an undisclosed battle with cancer. Stella Parton, 77, a singer-songwriter and one of Parton's 11 siblings, paid tribute to her sister on Facebook, sharing insight into the singer's final days and her enduring desire to help others.
"My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I've ever known," Stella stated. "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."
Reflecting on her sister's faith and character, Stella added: "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."
Weekly phone routine and sisterly bond
Stella also gave fans a glimpse into her long-standing weekly routine with her famous sibling. For many years, the two sisters maintained a regular phone call early every Tuesday morning.
"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.
Growing up as farm girls in rural Tennessee, both sisters remained lifelong early risers. Stella recalled that Dolly liked to joke about their early morning habits: "shoot Tedda we get more work done before the sun comes up than most folks do all day long!"
During their morning calls, the pair would catch up on gossip, drink coffee, and make plans, maintaining a close bond throughout Parton's career.
Stella noted that Parton maintained an optimistic outlook on life and resisted negativity. When Stella criticized or complained about the world, Parton would laugh and say: "shoot Tedda, we've got more important things to do than worry about their silly asses."
"She was right and she proved it everyday," Stella wrote, encouraging fans to honor Parton's memory by showing more kindness, lifting others up, and contributing time and resources to help those in need.
Philanthropic donations and vaccine funding
Parton was widely celebrated for her extensive philanthropic work, particularly in promoting childhood literacy. Through her Imagination Library program, the singer helped donate hundreds of millions of books to young children worldwide.
In April 2020, Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The contribution funded critical research that contributed to the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine during the global pandemic.
Expressing gratitude for the public support following her sister's passing, Stella thanked followers for the outpouring of love and respect, emphasizing that Parton loved the world and everyone in it.
Early life in Tennessee and six-decade career
Born in Pittman Center, Tennessee, on January 19, 1946, Dolly Parton was the fourth of 12 children. She was raised in the Great Smoky Mountains in a household that lacked running water, gas, and electricity, where the children slept on beds made of straw.
Parton grew up alongside her 11 siblings: Willadeene, David Wilburn, Coy Denver, Bobby Lee, Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, Randle Huston 'Randy', Larry Gerald, twins Floyd and Freida Estelle, and Rachel Ann.
Parton developed a passion for music at a young age, performing on local radio stations and television programs in East Tennessee during her childhood. She released her debut single, Puppy Love, at the age of 13.
Her music career spanned six decades, establishing her as one of the most prominent figures in country music history. She earned global acclaim for hit songs including Jolene and 9 to 5.
Family tributes following country star's passing
Stella's public tribute followed a statement released on Wednesday by Parton's niece, Rebecca Seaver. Seaver is the daughter of Parton's 75-year-old sister, Cassie.
Seaver expressed the family's deep grief over the loss of the beloved country star, highlighting the close bond shared across the family.
"Today, the grief we feel is insurmountable because of the enormous amount of love we all have for Dolly Rebecca Parton," Seaver stated.
