Dolly Parton's Sister Stella Reveals Touching Detail About Singer's Final Days

Behind the rhinestones and the legend, Dolly Parton was, first and foremost, a devoted sister. Now, in a heartfelt post, Stella is letting the world see a side of Dolly that few got to know.

Even as she faced her own health struggles, Dolly Parton was still thinking about how to further uplift her community. In the wake of the country icon's death, as tributes continue to pour in, her sister Stella Parton has revealed a touching detail about her final days.

Stella, herself a country singer and songwriter, turned to Facebook on Thursday, August 27, to pay tribute to her sister in a lengthy and emotional post. "My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday," she began.

"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 continued, revealing that Dolly had passed on the very day that had long anchored their weekly routine together.

"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," Stella wrote.

"As she liked to say; 'shoot Tedda we get more work done before the sun comes up than most folks do all day long!'" she recalled. "We would catch up on gossip, as sisters do, and drink coffee and make plans as it has always been our way."

Stella described Dolly as one of the most generous, thoughtful, and kind people she had ever known. Dolly had spent the past year managing kidney and autoimmune issues, offering fans updates on her treatment through various social media posts.

Staying true to her compassionate nature, the "9 to 5" singer hoped her own struggles could benefit others. As Stella put it:

"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 added that Dolly always put others first, and honoring her memory now means showing more kindness, lifting others up, and giving generously of one's time — just as Dolly did until her final days.

Stella also thanked fans personally for the outpouring of love and respect shown toward her sister, noting that it has brought comfort to the family as they navigate their grief.

Still, she acknowledged that life will feel different without Dolly in it.

"My Tuesday morning coffee time will never be the same but her love, respect and goodness will remain. I would criticize and complain about it and she would laugh and say; 'shoot Tedda, we've got more important things to do than worry about their silly [expletive],'" Stella wrote.

"She was right and she proved it everyday. She left the world a better place by being in it so let's follow her example. Love and respect to all of you," she concluded.

Dolly passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, was the first to confirm the news in a video announcement shared on social media.

Her team later issued an official statement that same day, confirming she had died following a brief battle with cancer. The specific type of cancer was not disclosed.