Dolly Parton's sister, Stella, has revealed that the late singer offered to try experimental drugs during her cancer battle, if it meant helping another person in the future. Dolly died aged 80 earlier this week after a private battle with cancer.
Stella's tribute to her 'big sister'
In a touching tribute shared on Instagram, Stella described Dolly as one of "the most generous" people she had ever known. She wrote: "My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday."
Stella recalled their long-standing Tuesday morning phone calls, saying: "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."
A final act of generosity
Stella said Dolly remained focused on others to the very end. She added: "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 that 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 encouraged fans to honour Dolly's legacy by showing more kindness, lifting others up, and giving more time and resources, as Dolly did to the end.
Official statement and final days
A spokesperson for the singer said in a statement: "Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand."
The statement added: "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones." Dolly was admitted to the center in Nashville on Friday, August 21, and died four days later.
Dolly was also a businesswoman who founded Dollywood, and her Imagination Library, launched in 1995 and inspired by her father Robert Lee Parton, has delivered more than 270 million free books to children worldwide.
