Dolly Parton offered to be given experimental drugs in the hope of helping others in the future, her sister Stella has said. The country music icon died aged 80 on Tuesday, August 25, following a “brief battle” with cancer, prompting a flood of tributes.
Sister reveals final wish
In a statement after her passing, Stella Parton said her big sister had told her she would allow her medical team to try experimental drugs on her. Stella, 77, 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.”
Stella said Dolly was “always thinking of others” and those who wanted to honour her legacy should “show more kindness” and “lift others up”.
Fond memories recalled
She also recalled treasured memories such as their ritual of calling each other on Tuesday mornings so they could enjoy a cup of coffee together. Stella 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 said her Tuesday morning coffee times “will never be the same but her love, respect and goodness will remain”.
Legacy of kindness
“Dolly loved the world and everyone in it,” she added. “I would criticise and complain about it and she 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 every day. She left the world a better place by being in it so let’s follow her example. Love and respect to all of you. Stella.”
Dolly was born into poverty in Tennessee as the fourth of twelve children, before rising through the music business to become one of the highest selling recording artists in history. She is best known for her genre-defining hits including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene.
Her death was announced on Tuesday via an Instagram video by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who was also her head of security. Mr Seaver said it was “an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness” to give the news of her death, adding: “But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.
“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
Dolly’s husband of 60 years Carl Dean died last year, aged 82.
