Dolly Parton offered to try experimental drugs if ‘no hope’ for cancer battle to help others, sister says

Remembering Dolly Parton: Country music icon dies at 80

Dolly Parton, the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and philanthropist whose career spanned over six decades, has died at 80. 

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Dolly Parton stared down her own health crisis with one final act of generosity in mind.

Parton had quietly battled cancer in the months before her death on Aug. 25. The “Islands in the Stream” singer had informed fans she was struggling with her health, but never disclosed details. As she privately faced the devastating diagnosis, she was already thinking about how her fight could help others.

Stella Parton, Dolly’s sister, revealed the country music icon had offered to let doctors test experimental drugs on her if she ran out of treatment options, hoping what they learned could someday save someone else.

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Dolly Parton’s sister revealed her kindness remained even during her private health battle.(Terry Wyatt/

“My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known,” Stella wrote on Facebook. “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 said her sister’s final wishes embodied the kindness she hoped fans would carry forward.

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Stella Parton shared a tribute to her sister on Thursday, a few days after Dolly Parton’s death.(Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/

“My sister was always thinking of others and if you want to honor her legacy, show more kindness, lift others up and give more of your time and re

“I want to personally thank all of you for the out pouring of love and respect you are showing my sister,” she added. “Your love and respect for her is deeply felt by all of us who loved her first and it helps as we grieve her passing through our lives!”

Among Stella’s most cherished memories were the simple moments she and Dolly shared long before the rest of the world woke up.

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Dolly Parton died Aug. 25 in Nashville

“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 recalled. “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,” she added.

The “I Will Always Love You” singer’s death was announced Tuesday by her nephew. The family later confirmed to Fox News Digital that Parton had died after a brief cancer battle.

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Young fans pay tribute to Dolly Parton at her statue at the Sevier County Courthouse on Aug. 25.(Melissa Sue Gerrits/

Parton’s family will hold a small, private service for the country music icon, honoring her wish to be remembered by her immediate loved ones.

“At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family,” the family said in a statement.

The family also asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the literacy program Parton founded to help put free books in the hands of children.

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Dolly Parton was known for her songs such as “I Will Always Love You,” “Islands in the Stream,” “9-5” and “Jolene.”(Jim Dyson/

Parton wanted to be buried in a bed of soft cotton after spending a lifetime draped in rhinestones, according to the touching tribute from her nephew.

“Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy; he farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness,” he said in the video announcing Parton’s passing. “Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because, after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.”