Dolly Parton offered to take experimental cancer drugs before she died, her younger sister Stella has revealed. The country music icon, who died aged 80 on Tuesday shortly after being diagnosed with the disease, volunteered to undergo exploratory treatments in a bid to help other cancer sufferers in the future.
Sister reveals selfless offer
Stella Parton said Dolly told her 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”. Stella described her sister as “always thinking of others”.
Dolly was taken to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville following kidney and autoimmune issues and died surrounded by family.
Moving tribute posted on Facebook
In a tribute posted on Facebook, 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. 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.”
Stella, one of 11 siblings and also a country music singer-songwriter, said that if fans wanted to honour Dolly’s legacy, they should “show more kindness, lift others up and give more of your time and resources as she continued to do to the very end”.
Weekly coffee ritual remembered
She also shared that the sisters had a coffee date over the phone every Tuesday morning “before the sun came up”. Stella added: “My Tuesday morning coffee time will never be the same but her love, respect and goodness will remain. She left the world a better place by being in it so let’s follow her example.”
