If there is a common theme running through the countless tributes to Dolly Parton since her death, it's her generosity.
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The "Jolene" singer's sister, Stella, witnessed it firsthand. In fact, she revealed on social media that Dolly's passion for helping others never wavered, even as she was facing death. We have the details below.
Stella Parton Shared Some Insights Into Her Relationship With Her Sister
Stella shared a powerful tribute to Dolly today, Aug. 27.
"If anyone gets to heaven I'm sure she made it right on time," she said in the statement. "I know she's showing out big time, in all her sparkles and shine. That was my sister's way."
She continued, "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 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."
Dolly Parton Was Open to Trying "Experimental Drugs"
Stella went on to talk about her sister's unselfishness.
"My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I've ever known," she wrote. "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 allow her medical team to try experimental drugs in the hope of helping others in the future."
Dolly has funded several medical efforts before. We've written about how in 2020, Dolly donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center's efforts to combat COVID-19. It led to the creation and testing of the Moderna vaccine.
Stella then shared how Dolly's fans can pay tribute to her.
She said, "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."
You can read Stella's entire statement below.
