Dolly Parton’s Sister Reveals Her Final Selfless Act To Have Experimental Drugs Used On Her In ‘Hope Of Helping Others’
Dolly Parton‘s sister has revealed another example of the selflessness and generosity that defined the life of the country music icon.
Stella Parton says that her late sister was willing to undergo experimental cancer treatments to help other patients even though she couldn’t be saved.
Dolly Parton, who died at 80 on August 25 following a short battle with cancer, has received an outpouring of love from fans and fellow stars since news of her passing.
In an emotional tribute on social media shared two days after Parton’s death, Stella disclosed that her sister was willing to allow doctors to use experimental drugs on her, even though there was “no hope” she’d recover.
According to Page Six, Parton saw it as an opportunity to help others, as the research could lead to better care for future cancer patients.
The reveal provides new insight into how Parton viewed her illness, which remained largely private. She didn’t see it just as the end of the road, but also as a chance to secure the future for people she will never meet.
In her tribute, Stella wrote that Parton was “one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known.”
She continued, saying, “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.”
This conversation was one of the last Stella would share with her older sister before she passed away.
A Lifetime Of Helping Others
5Stella emphasized that Dolly’s willingness to participate in experimental treatment was not surprising. The courage to pave the way for others was entirely consistent with her character.
She said, “My sister was always thinking of others, and if you want to honor her legacy, show more kindness, lift others, and give more of your time and resources as she continued to do to the very end.”
Parton’s penchant to come to the aid of others is well reported. Throughout her life, she often tried to help people with genuine compassion that often superseded her own personal gain.
According to USA Today, she famously donated $1 million to vaccine research, a contribution widely credited as being vital to the success of the Moderna vaccine.
Her help, according to Dr Naji Abumrad, her friend and professor of surgery, was imperative as “her work made it possible to expedite the science behind the testing.”
He said, “Without a doubt in my mind, her funding made the research toward the vaccine go 10 times faster than it would be without it.”
Parton’s representatives noted in a statement to People Magazine that “her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.”
Dolly Parton’s Sister Speaks On Their Close Bond
5Stella also offered a look into her sisterly bond with Parton. In her tribute, she recounted their Tuesday morning routine, connecting it to their childhood growing up on a farm in Tennessee.
“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,” Stella wrote.
Parton liked to tell Stella that they got more work done before the sun rose than most people do in an entire day, crediting their upbringing as “little farm girls” for their early rising.
Stella sadly noted that her Tuesday morning coffee will never be the same but added that Parton’s “love, respect and goodness will remain.”
The “I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight” singer said that Parton will be “showing out big time in all her sparkles and shine.”
Tributes Continue To Highlight The Country Music Star’s Legacy
5Parton’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from around the world. President Donald Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for a week in her honor.
Singer Harry Styles paid tribute to Parton during his recent appearance at Madison Square Garden on August 26.
According to People, Styles told the audience, “I wanna say a proper thank you to all the musicians over the years that’ve inspired me. Dolly, we love you, thank you so much,” before performing her 1974 hit “I Will Always Love You.”
Other top stars such as Beyoncé and Taylor Swift have also paid tribute to the late icon following her passing.
As for fans, besides sharing their tributes on social media, many have gathered at her Dollywood theme park to offer flowers, letters, and other things as a tribute to the star that has been a major influence on their lives.
Dolly Parton’s Final Chat With Her Goddaughter, Miley Cyrus
5Parton’s goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, shared a moving tribute to the late singer, highlighting one of the last conversations they had together.
Reflecting on their relationship, Cyrus said, “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private, and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.”
The pop star also revealed details about their final moments together, noting how they talked about music and evolving.
“What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis,” she noted.
“I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together, and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things,” she concluded.
RIP, Dolly Parton.
