Country music icon Dolly Parton was willing to participate in experimental cancer drug trials, even if it wouldn't benefit her, in hopes of aiding future patients, her sister Stella Parton revealed in a social media tribute.
Dolly Parton died of cancer on August 25 at age 80. Her health struggles became public in the fall of 2025 when she announced she would be unable to continue a Las Vegas residency due to “some health challenges.”
According to Stella Parton, Dolly told her, “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 described her sister as “one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known,” stating that what the public saw was exactly who Dolly was.
Stella Parton also shared a glimpse into their close relationship, recalling their decades-long tradition of early morning phone calls. “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,” she wrote. Dolly, a lifelong early riser, often said, “shoot Tedda, we get more work done before the sun comes up than most folks do all day long!”
News of Dolly Parton’s death prompted tributes from numerous figures, including Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Donald Trump. Stella Parton concluded her tribute by saying, “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.” She encouraged others to honor Dolly’s legacy by “show[ing] more kindness, lift[ing] others up, and give[ing] more of your time and resources, as she continued to do to the very end.”
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