Grief has been painfully public for Stella Parton, who is asking people to show her family some grace following the death of her older sister, Dolly Parton.
Stella, 77, thanked those who have supported the family while also calling out the online commentary and misinformation she says they have faced since the beloved country legend’s death on Tuesday, August 25. “First let me say, thank you to the ones of you who have shown ‘genuine’ support and love during this time of our family bereavement,” Stella wrote on Instagram on Friday, September 4.
“We will be okay in time, but each of us will grieve in our own personal way. Every human being experiences pain and loss in life, and my family is no different.”
Why Is Stella Parton Speaking Out?
Stella said being part of a famous family has made an already painful period harder to navigate privately.
“Sadly, because of the way our lives have been lived in front of the public, we have no choice but to be subjected to incredible pressure and insensitivity from strangers,” she wrote.
She also criticized what she described as “a tremendous amount of AI and endless garbage” circulating online since Dolly’s death, saying it has been “challenging to absorb and or ignore.”
Dolly, 80, died following a “brief battle with cancer,” her representatives previously confirmed.
What Did Stella Say About Dolly’s Fans?
Despite her frustration, Stella made clear that much of the response to Dolly’s death has brought comfort.
She said her sister would “be surprised and delighted by the love her family and she has been shown.”
“She loved her fans and the public in general,” Stella wrote. “That is the reason she chose not to express her opinions on a lot of things like politics, religion, and individuals in the public eye.”
Stella said Dolly understood how easily public discourse could become what she called a “negative vortex.”
What Message Does Stella Want People to Remember?
GettyThe country singer urged people to take a lesson from Dolly’s life and the way she treated others.
“Finally, I ask that you show more compassion and wisdom as we move forward in life,” she wrote. “Use my sister’s life as an example for tolerance and respect toward others. It’s not about the most clever comments, fake AI garbage, or snarky tweets.”
She continued, “At the end of the day or the end of a life, how will you feel about yourself? It’s not about what other individuals you will never meet think of you!”
Dolly’s family previously described the music legend’s legacy as one rooted in kindness and resilience.
“Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience,” the family said following her death.
How Did Stella Parton Remember Her Final Moments With Dolly Parton?
Earlier, Stella shared another deeply personal message about Dolly’s final weeks, revealing that her sister remained focused on helping others even as her own health declined.
“My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known,” Stella 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 still allow her medical team to try experimental drugs in the hope of helping others in the future.”
She continued, “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 also reflected on a quieter tradition she shared with Dolly for years: their early Tuesday morning coffee calls, which they called their “kaffeklatsch,” a German term for an informal catch-up.
“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.
She said the sisters would talk, share gossip, and make plans before the rest of the day began.
“As she liked to say: ‘shoot Tedda we get more work done before the sun comes up than most folks do all day long!’ ”
Stella added, “My Tuesday morning coffee time will never be the same, but her love, respect, and goodness will remain.”
Can only imagine the types of comments to which Dolly’s sister, Stella refers…everything from Dolly’s assistance with which was at one time a hopeful attitude towards COVID vaccines to her stance on the LGBTQ community – which I read as pretty much the same as my own. That said, have often thought that being famous is NOT something to which I’d aspire! Too much hate, too much ignorance to deal with from humankind who THINK they know you. Hah. Dolly Parton had a kind heart as well as a lot of talent, repeatedly mentioned where her loyalties as a Christian lay, so I really do believe she was welcomed into the Heavenly Kingdom with a “Well done, good and faithful servant!” To that, no one can offer better.
Hard to believe anyone could find anything bad to say about Dolly. She was the epitome of kindness and generosity. She never had an unkind word to say about anyone. More people should strive to be like her. She also kept her opinions to herself, which is good advise for everybody.
Unfortunately, people who have no idea think they know more than anyone else and can be very cruel and hateful. The sad part about, is they do reap what they sow. We are lifting our prayers to the family as we know it. It’s very difficult when you lose a loved one.
IGNORE THOSE FOOLISH BAD PEOPLE WHO ARE MISERABLE IN THEIR OWN LIVES AND WANT EVERYONE ELSE TO BE. DON’T WASTE ANYMORE OF YOUR VALUABLE TIME ON THOSE LOSERS. WISH GOD OR SOMEONE COULD HELP THEM SOMEHOW!! THEY DEFINITELY NEED IT!! JUST BE THANKFUL FOR YOUR OWN LIFE AND APPRECIATE IT!!!
Actually, any negativity was brought by YOUR WORDS. No one even knew who you were until you starter spewing your hate. Nothing else and certainly nothing Dolly ever said or did. Just shut your mouth.
Who are you talking about? Just asking.
Stop talking to the press. There are always going to be trolls. It’s only a reflection on them. You know who Dolly was. You owe nothing to anybody
First, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family. Losing a loved one is hard but, with time everything gets better, just hold on to God’s unchanging hand. I loved listening to Dolly sing. She was very talented and well loved. I have been watching her movies since her passing and truly do miss her. RIP Dolly!!