The late, great Dolly Parton was laid to rest on Friday, August 28.
As the world continues to mourn the tragic passing of this one-of-a-kind entertainer, further details are emerging of her final days.
‘A Brief Battle with Cancer’
An August 25 statement to People revealed that the 80-year-old music icon passed away after “a brief battle with cancer.”
When facing her diagnosis, however, Parton’s selflessness was evident until the end, according to a statement issued via social media by her younger sister, Stella Parton.
Willing to Try Experimental Drugs
GettyIn a lengthy post she shared via Facebook, Stella praised her sister’s bountiful personality and love of giving back.
“My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known,” she wrote, before sharing a detail of the late singer’s cancer battle that hadn’t previously been revealed.
“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 said before sharing a request with her sister’s legions of fans,
“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,” she added. “I want to personally thank all of you for the out pouring of love and respect you are showing my sister.”
A Morning Tradition Between Sisters
GettyIn her emotional and heartfelt post, Stella shared some rare insight into their relationship as sisters.
“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,” her post continued.
“Being little farm girls we’ve continued to be early risers,” she explained. “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 Loved the World’
As Stella’s post went on, she reflected on the legacy that Dolly had left behind — and not just her music and various entertainment projects, but her quiet philanthropy and the personal philosophy reflected in how she lived her life.
“Your love and respect for her is deeply felt by all of us who loved her first and it helps as we grieve her passing through our lives!” she wrote.
“My Tuesday morning coffee time will never be the same but her love, respect and goodness will remain. Dolly loved the world and everyone in it,” Stella added.
“I would criticize and complain about it and she would laugh and say; ‘Shoot Tedda, we’ve got more important things to do than worry about their silly asses,'” the post shared.
“She was right and she proved it everyday,” Stella concluded. “She left the world a better place by being in it so let’s follow her example. Love and respect to all of you. Stella.”
