Dolly Parton’s fans and family received heartbreaking news when the famous singer and actress died at age 80. Following her death, her sister Stella Parton has shared one of Dolly’s selfless wishes during her final days.
Stella Parton reveals her sister Dolly agreed to test experimental treatments to help future patients
Recently, 77-year-old singer and songwriter Stella Parton remembered her late sister Dolly Parton’s generosity in a Facebook post. She shared that Dolly was willing to try experimental drugs if doing so could help future patients.
Stella wrote, “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,” she added.
Stella continued, “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.”
Stella Parton also thanked fans in the same post for showing love and respect to her late sister. Remembering Dolly, the 77-year-old said that every Tuesday before the sun came up, she and her sister would have coffee together while talking on the phone. Stella said her Tuesday morning coffee time would never be the same, but Dolly’s “love, respect and goodness will remain.” She also shared that her older sister “loved the world and everyone in it.”
Dolly Parton’s death was reported on Aug. 25, 2026, at age 80. Her representatives confirmed that she died after a brief period with cancer.
The actress and singer died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by her loved ones.
