Stella Parton has revealed her late sister, Dolly Parton, offered to trial “experimental drugs” amid her cancer battle.
The country music icon died on Tuesday at the age of 80 following a “brief battle” with cancer.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Stella posted a letter in which she touched upon her older sibling’s private health crisis.
“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 wrote. “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.”
The Jolene hitmaker was known for her philanthropy and public advocacy, having established the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library. She also championed social causes like LGBTQ rights and infectious-disease research.
Elsewhere in the message, Stella recalled a sweet ritual she used to share with Dolly.
“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,” the 77-year-old continued. “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.”
To conclude, Stella urged fans to follow in Dolly’s footsteps, labelling her as “one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people”.
“She left the world a better place by being in it so let’s follow her example. Love and respect to you all,” she concluded.
Dolly will be laid to rest in a “small, private” service held for immediate family.
