Dolly Parton‘s sister Stella has broken her silence following Dolly’s passing on August 25. Dolly’s family issued a statement earlier this week to announce the devastating news, revealing Dolly had passed away at the age of 80. A matter of hours later her team confirmed that the cause was an undisclosed brief battle with cancer.
Stella has now spoken out about losing Dolly, and among her statement she also shared that Dolly had been trying experimental drugs to hopefully help progress cancer cures for others in the future.
What Did Stella Parton Say?
Stella posted a lengthy statement to Facebook a few hours ago today, gushing about how beautiful her big sis was and recalling fond memories of frequently sharing a morning coffee with Dolly over the phone.
The statement began: “My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday. If anyone gets to heaven I’m sure she made it right on time. I know she’s showing out big time, in all her sparkles and shine. That was my sister’s way.
“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.”
Stella then revealed Dolly’s generosity and shared extra insight into her cancer battle. The statement continued: “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, 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.
“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.”
The statement concluded with warmth and a word of thanks to Dolly’s fans for their love. It read: “I want to personally thank all of you for the out pouring of love and respect you are showing my sister. 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!
“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.
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 a****.” She was right and she proved it everyday.
“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.”
Dolly’s Family Share She Has Passed Away
Dolly Parton’s family posted a video message to her social media profiles today announcing that she had passed away. Bryan Seaver read out the tragic news, speaking to a camera. He shared: “Hey everyone, my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I am representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean.
“Sister, sis, aunt, granny to one generation, and Gigi to the next. This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, but not with Dolly.
“Dolly has lived in the light […] met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens. […] Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life , and across every continent. By her example, we believed that anything was possible.
“She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history. My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and your phone playlist becoming an extended part of your family.”
