Dolly Parton's younger sister, Stella, has revealed one of the singer's last requests to doctors. Penning an emotional tribute to the icon, who died aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer, Stella told fans, "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."
A Sister's Tribute
Recalling how every Tuesday, she and Dolly would have coffee together over the phone, the 77-year-old remarked that they would always gossip "as sisters do" and make plans.
Reflecting on Dolly's final days, Stella continued, "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."
Final Wishes and Fan Reactions
"My sister was always thinking of others, and if you want to honour 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 concluded.
A post that left fans in tears prompted several to flock to social media in response. "Even dying, she still thought of others," wrote one. "Discovering so many things about her posthumously with tears in my eyes," added a second. Meanwhile, a third tweeted, "Even when facing the very end, she was still thinking about how she could save other people. What a beautiful, selfless soul. Rest in peace, Queen."
Family Announcement
Dolly's death was announced on Tuesday, after her nephew, Bryan Seaver, addressed fans in a video message. "This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality," he began.
"As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven't truly felt it until now. It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. 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 for her to meet them in the heavens."
Bryan concluded, "Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest. Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly."
In a separate statement, the singer's family added, "At Dolly's request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family."
