Dolly Parton’s younger sister, Stella Parton, has shared a deeply personal tribute to her big sister and the country music icon, just two days after her passing. In the emotional message, Stella reflected on the special bond they shared as sisters and revealed a touching detail about Dolly’s final months, including her desire to continue helping others even amid her private battle with cancer.
“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,” she began.
Stella went on to share one of the simple traditions that kept her and Dolly connected through the years: their standing Tuesday morning phone calls. Despite their busy lives, the sisters made a point of setting aside time to catch up over their morning coffee.
“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,” she wrote. “Being little farm girls we’ve continued to be early risers. 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.”
Stella also offered a glimpse into the Dolly the public knew and loved, assuring fans that the woman they saw on television and onstage was the same person she knew privately: generous, thoughtful and always wanting to help others.
In one of the most revealing portions of her tribute, Stella shared that Dolly had even expressed a willingness to participate in experimental medical treatments if doctors determined there was no hope left for her. According to Stella, Dolly hoped that doing so could potentially help researchers learn more and benefit others in the future.
“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 shared.
Stella encouraged people to continue her sister’s legacy by showing kindness to others.
“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.I want to personally thank all of you for the out pouring of love and respect you are showing my sister. Your love and respect for her is deeply felt by all of us who loved her first and it helps as we grieve her passing through our lives!”
She later added, “She left the world a better place by being in it so let’s follow her example. Love and respect to all of you.”
Dolly Parton was one of 12 siblings. Over the years, she experienced the loss of four of her brothers: David, Randy and Floyd, while another brother, Larry, died as an infant.
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