Kenneth Glad
New details have brought fresh attention to a deeply personal chapter. The account offers a rare glimpse into events that had remained largely private.
Stella Parton has shared a series of personal memories about her late sister Dolly, including a private conversation about medical treatment and an appeal for admirers to honor her by showing more kindness and generosity toward others.
In a Facebook post published Thursday, Stella, herself also a country singer-songwriter and one of Dolly’s 11 siblings, reflected on the qualities she believed defined her sister both in public and in private. She described her as consistently generous, thoughtful and attentive to the needs of those around her:
“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.”
Medical conversation
Stella said Dolly had told her she would allow doctors to try experimental drugs if there was no longer hope that treatment could benefit her personally.
“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.”
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Dolly died Tuesday at the age of 80 following a recent cancer diagnosis. Before her death, she had received medical care at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville while dealing with kidney and autoimmune problems.
Tuesday calls remembered
Stella also remembered the Tuesday morning calls she had with her sister. They would often speak over coffee before sunrise, a small weekly ritual she said she would miss deeply.
Stella encouraged people mourning Dolly to remember her through their own actions, particularly by showing greater kindness to others and giving more of their time and resources where they could.
Tributes to Dolly have come from far beyond her family. The Guardian writes that entertainers, politicians and other public figures have paid their respects, while fans have also gathered at Dollywood in Tennessee to remember her and celebrate her life.
Sources: The Guardian, Stella Parton’s Facebook post
