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Stella Parton says sister Dolly Parton was "definitely prepared" and at peace when she died
In her first interview since Dolly’s death, Stella sat down with Gayle King for CBS Mornings to reflect on her sister’s extraordinary life, their close bond and the private health battle Dolly kept from much of the world.
Dolly died on August 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Her illness had largely remained private, even from some members of her extended family.
Dolly Chose to Keep Her Illness Private
According to Stella, Dolly deliberately kept the seriousness of her condition to herself because she did not want the people around her to worry.
“She did not want people sad,” Stella said, explaining that her sister's instinct was always to protect others from her own struggles.
That decision meant that Dolly continued to project the optimism and determination that had defined her public life, even as she was dealing with cancer privately.
Stella said Dolly remained focused on her work and future plans and continued talking about things she wanted to accomplish.
‘Definitely Prepared’ for What Was Coming
While Dolly's death came as a shock to millions of fans, Stella said her sister herself was prepared.
Stella described Dolly as being at peace when the end came, offering a different perspective on the sudden loss that left fans around the world grieving.
The country icon's family had known she was facing serious health challenges, but much of the public only learned about the cancer battle after her death.
A Final Conversation Between Sisters
Stella also recalled how close she and Dolly remained throughout their lives.
The sisters spoke regularly, including their Tuesday morning conversations. During one of their final conversations, Dolly asked Stella for prayers.
For Stella, those conversations are now treasured memories of a sister who remained deeply connected to her family despite becoming one of the biggest stars in the world.
Dolly was one of 12 children born to Robert and Avie Lee Parton, and her family remained an important part of her identity throughout her career.
Dolly’s Optimism Never Left Her
Stella remembered Dolly as someone who was constantly dreaming and creating.
Even late in her life, Dolly continued thinking about new music, projects and ways to connect with people. Stella said her sister could “dream bigger than anybody,” describing her ambition as one of the qualities that made Dolly so unique.
That determination also shaped how Dolly approached her illness.
Rather than publicly dwelling on her condition, she continued to focus on the future and the work she loved.
A Legacy That Goes Beyond Music
Dolly Parton's influence stretched far beyond her country music career.
With songs including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” she became one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world. But her legacy also includes her philanthropy, particularly the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which has provided free books to children.
Since her death, tributes have poured in from musicians, celebrities, politicians and fans around the world.
A posthumous Dolly recording, “Bound to Ride,” was also released this week, giving fans a new opportunity to hear her voice after her passing. The song was recorded in 2022 and will appear on an upcoming Stanley Brothers tribute album.
Stella Wants Dolly’s Kindness to Live On
As she continues grieving, Stella has encouraged people to remember Dolly for the compassion and generosity she showed throughout her life.
She has also spoken out against insensitive and misleading AI-generated content surrounding her sister's death, asking people to approach Dolly's legacy with respect and kindness.
For Stella, the most important part of Dolly's legacy may be the way she treated people.
Dolly Parton spent decades making millions of people laugh, cry and sing along. Now, her sister hopes those same people will remember the woman behind the music—and the optimism she carried with her until the very end.
Source: CBS Mornings
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