Dolly Parton's younger sister Stella has shared an emotional statement following the country singer's death at the age of 80. Tributes have poured in from across the world over the last few days.
Born in a tiny rural community in East Tennessee, Dolly was the fourth of 12 children. With a love and talent for music ever present in her life, she went on to win 10 Grammy Awards, write more than 3,000 songs, and sell 100 million records worldwide in her lifetime.
Fans across the globe have been heartbroken by the sad news of her death, which was announced on Tuesday (August 25).
Stella Parton's heartfelt message
Stella Parton has since shared a message with fans, thanking people for their love and support at such a difficult time. Sharing a statement on Instagram, she said: "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.
"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. 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 that 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.
"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.
"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 conditioned to do to the very end..."
Fans and celebrities pay tribute
She added: "I want to personally thank all of you for the outpouring 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.
"My Tuesday morning coffee time will never be the same, but her love, respect and goodness will remain. Dolly loved the world and everyone in it. I would criticise and complain about it and she would laugh and say 'shoot Tedda, we've got more important things to do that 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."
Celebrities from across the music industry and beyond rushed to send their supportive messages, with many sharing their special memories with Dolly over the years.
Sir Paul McCartney said: "I first met her in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry where she had been playing with the country star Porter Wagoner and was about to start her solo career. She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed.
"Her song writing, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivalled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly."
Dolly's goddaughter Miley Cyrus wrote on Instagram: "The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they'll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts."
She added: "I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We're in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things."
The 80-year-old singer was best known for her genre-defining hits including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene. She died after a "brief" battle with cancer, her publicist confirmed.
