Dolly Parton's sister reveals singer's final selfless offer to doctors who were treating her
As tributes flood in for legendary performer Dolly Parton, her younger sister Stella has revealed that Dolly was kindhearted until the very end.
The '9 to 5' singer passed away on Tuesday 25 August at the age of 80 following a period of ill health, which she had largely kept hidden from the public.
Miley Cyrus and Sabrina Carpenter are among the artists to sing Dolly's praises following her tragic death, with even Donald Trump acknowledging her immense talent and infectious personality.
Now, her younger sister Stella has revealed some more about Dolly's final moments, which included a gesture which she hoped would help more people down the line.
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On Instagram, she wrote: "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.
"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 honour 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."
It is not the only time that Dolly showed this sort of desire to help people, as she even released a re-imagined version of 'Jolene' which urged people to get the Coronavirus vaccine, as well as being a staunch supporter of LGBTQ+ rights throughout her life.
Although not everyone agreed with her beliefs, including her 'movie dad' who has been criticised for his 'disgusting tribute to the iconic singer, there is no doubt that Dolly will go down as a legend in the world of music and beyond.
A timeline of Dolly Parton's charity work
The country singer has been fondly remembered for her generosity and how much she gave back to local communities across the United States, as well as contributing to education, welfare and animal rights. Here's a list of everything she did to help others:
The Dollywood Foundation
In 1988, Parton originally launched the organisation in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee, with the goal of decreasing secondary school drop out rates. She then launched the Buddy Program, which saw Parton give every seventh and eighth grader who finished high school $500.
Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood
In 1991, the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee partnered with the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) to open a 30,000-square-foot aviary that sheltered the largest collection of 'non-releasable' bald eagles.
This partnership 'helped introduce millions of Dollywood guests to America’s national symbol and to the importance of protecting bald eagles and other birds of prey', according to the AEF's website.
Imagination Library
In 1995, the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library was founded and inspired by Parton’s father, who was unable to read. It began sending one book per month to each enrolled child in Sevier County from birth until their first year of school.
In 2025, it was announced that the Imagination Library gifted more than 40.3 million books, bringing the program’s total books gifted since its launch to more than 304.5 million.
The Dolly Parton Scholarship
According to the Dollywood Foundation, the scholarship - an annual award granting $15,000 (£11,000) each to five secondary school seniors in Sevier County, Tennessee - is awarded to those who 'have a dream they wish to pursue and who can successfully communicate their plan and commitment to realise their dreams'.
My People Fund
After previously working hard to aid wildfire relief in Tennessee in 2016, Parton launched the My People Fund, which provided $1,000 (£733) a month for six months to families whose homes were completely destroyed by the fires.
The fund also donated around $8.9 million (£6.5 million) to those in need.
$1 million donation to a children’s hospital
In 2017, Parton made the staggering donation to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in honor of her niece, who was treated for leukemia at that hospital.
She made another $1 million donation to the same hospital in 2022, this time aiming to help pediatric infectious disease research.
Covid-19 vaccine donation efforts
Parton donated $1 million to coronavirus research at Vanderbilt University, which helped fund Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Tennessee flooding relief
$700,000 (£510,000) was raised by Parton and her Smoky Mountain businesses in 2021 to help residents impacted by the catastrophic flooding in Middle Tennessee.
Dollywood education coverage
In 2022, the Dollywood Co. announced that it will cover 100% of tuition, fees and books for any employee who is furthering their education.
The program is available to all seasonal, part-time and full-time employees at Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
$1 million donation to the Salvation Amy
In late 2023, the singer donated another generous $1 million to the Salvation Army, with the money going towards food and grocery programs in the US.
$2 million donation toward Hurricane Helene relief
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024, which affected areas across Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, Parton donated $1 million from her own funds for the Mountain Way’s Foundation, which provides assistance to flood victims.
Her East Tennessee businesses and the Dollywood Foundation also pledged an additional $1 million.
Topics: Dolly Parton, Celebrity News, Entertainment
James Moorhouse