Stella Parton recalls Dolly Parton's final act of generosity

Stella Parton posted on Facebook that Dolly Parton, who died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, agreed to let her doctors use experimental drugs even if the treatment offered no personal benefit, hoping the research might aid others later. > "My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I've ever known," Stella wrote, adding that Dolly constantly thought of others and encouraging people to honor her legacy by showing more kindness and giving time and resources. Stella also described their long-standing habit of waking early to share coffee over the phone, noting the sisters' farm-girl roots and Dolly's habit of saying they got more work done before sunrise than most do all day. She recalled Dolly's habit of dismissing complaints about others, saying they had more important things to do than worry about “silly” matters. Stella thanked those who have expressed support for the family and said her Tuesday morning coffee routine will never be the same, but Dolly’s influence will endure. She concluded with a call to follow Dolly’s example of making the world better through love and respect. Dolly was one of eleven siblings; her brother Coy Parton also died in July 2026.