Stella Parton reveals Dolly offered to test experimental cancer therapies before dying at 80

Experimental treatments and hospitalization

Country music singer Dolly Parton died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after receiving treatment at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee. She had been admitted to the medical facility following complications related to kidney issues and autoimmune disorders, passing away shortly after receiving a cancer diagnosis while surrounded by family members and loved ones. A statement released through CBS News confirmed that the artist died after a struggle with cancer. On Thursday, her sister Stella Parton revealed that the Jolene performer had volunteered to undergo experimental medical treatments in the final stages of her illness. The singer instructed her medical team to test experimental drugs on her even if no hope remained for her own recovery, seeking to assist doctors in developing treatments for future patients.

She recently told me that, even if there was no longer any hope for her, she would still allow her medical team to try experimental treatments, in the hope that it could help others in the future.

Family tributes and personal memories

Stella Parton, one of the artist's 11 siblings and an established country music songwriter herself, published a message on Facebook describing her sister's private character and lifelong altruism. She recounted their long-standing personal routine of holding a telephone conversation over coffee every Tuesday morning before sunrise. Stella noted that her sister always considered the needs of others before herself, adding that she was certain Dolly had reached Heaven right on time, shining with her sequins and light. She called on the public to honor the singer by extending kindness, offering encouragement, and donating time and resources to others as her sister did throughout her life.

My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I have ever known. What the world saw was exactly what she was in reality.

Colleagues across the music industry and cultural figures also shared tributes following the announcement. On Instagram, Céline Dion remembered the singer as someone with a kind heart and a generous soul, while Taylor Swift described the musician as eternally generous. Additional figures across music, film, and politics issued condolences recognizing her creative work and charitable efforts.

Tuesday morning coffee will never be the same again, but her love, respect and kindness will remain. She made the world a better place simply by being here, so let us follow her example.

National honors and Dollywood time capsule

Following the announcement of her death, United States flags were lowered to half-staff at several locations across the country, including at the White House. Memorial planners arranged a small, private ceremony for her immediate family and close associates. In Tennessee, crowds of supporters assembled at the Dollywood theme park to commemorate the artist's life and philanthropic contributions.

At the theme park grounds, Parton previously buried a sealed time capsule containing an unreleased song titled My place in history. The container is scheduled to remain locked beneath the ground until the 100th anniversary of her birth, which falls in late 2045 or in 2046.