Dolly Parton was reportedly prepared to turn her final health battle into one last act of generosity.
The country music legend’s younger sister, Stella Parton, revealed that Dolly was willing to undergo experimental treatments if doctors believed the results could potentially help future patients.
“My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known,” Stella wrote in a Facebook tribute following Dolly’s death.
Stella said her sister had recently told her that even if doctors determined there was no hope for recovery, she would still be willing to participate in experimental treatment in the hope that it might benefit others.
Dolly died Tuesday at the age of 80 following what her representatives described as a “brief battle with cancer.” The specific type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed.
Stella, 77, marked her sister’s death with the simple message, “Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday.”
She said Dolly remained focused on helping others until the end.
“My sister was always thinking of others and if you want to honor 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 wrote.
Dolly’s death also brought an end to a longstanding tradition between the sisters.
For years, Dolly and Stella spoke by phone early every Tuesday morning while drinking coffee together.
Stella previously described the weekly ritual as their “kaffeklatsch,” a German term for a casual gathering centered around coffee.
“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,” Stella recalled.
The sisters grew accustomed to early mornings while growing up on a farm in Tennessee.
Stella remembered Dolly joking that the pair accomplished more before sunrise than many people managed throughout the entire day.
During their weekly conversations, the sisters would discuss family matters, exchange gossip and make plans.
“My Tuesday morning coffee time will never be the same but her love, respect and goodness will remain,” Stella wrote.
She added that she imagined Dolly “showing out big time in all her sparkles and shine” in heaven.
Stella also thanked fans for the enormous response following her sister’s death, saying the “outpouring of love and respect” had helped comfort the Parton family.
“Dolly loved the world and everyone in it,” she wrote.
Stella said that while she sometimes complained about criticism directed at the family, Dolly would encourage her not to focus on it and instead concentrate on more important things.
“She was right and she proved it everyday,” Stella wrote.
She concluded her tribute by encouraging fans to continue the values Dolly promoted during her life, according to Trending Politics.
“She left the world a better place by being in it so let’s follow her example.”
Dolly was the fourth of 12 children born to Robert Lee and Avie Lee Parton.
Her siblings included Willadeene, David, Coy, Bobby, Stella, Cassie, Randy, Larry, twins Freida and Floyd, and Rachel.
The revelation about Dolly’s willingness to undergo experimental treatment adds another chapter to the singer’s longstanding reputation for philanthropy and public service, even as she faced her final illness.
