Dolly Parton's sister says the singer would have tried experimental drugs if her cancer became untreatable
Stella Parton revealed that Dolly Parton was willing to enroll in experimental drug trials if her cancer reached a point with no standard treatment, emphasizing her sister's focus on helping others.
Dolly Parton’s sister, Stella Parton, said the country music star told her she would allow her medical team to use experimental drugs if there were no viable treatment options left, aiming to benefit future patients.
"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," Stella Parton wrote in a Facebook post.
Stella added that Dolly’s legacy of generosity should inspire people to act with kindness and support others, as she had done throughout her life.
The late singer was known for philanthropic work, including the Dollywood Foundation’s education initiatives, the Imagination Library book program, and a $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University’s COVID-19 research that helped develop a vaccine.
Dolly Parton died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Her death prompted statements from public figures and fellow artists. Earlier in the year, she had reported responding well to treatment for health issues but cancelled a Las Vegas engagement, and in October her sister Freida had asked fans to pray for her health, which Dolly later said was fine.