Dolly Parton’s sister says singer was still thinking of others while battling cancer

Dolly Parton’s long history of philanthropy is well-documented, but a touching tribute from her sister reveals how deeply the spirit of giving was entrenched in her.

On Thursday, Stella Parton posted a statement to Instagram describing how she and Dolly used to wake up early and drink coffee together over the phone each Tuesday.

The statement says in one of their final conversations, Dolly told Stella “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.”

CBC News asked Dolly Parton’s publicist to confirm whether the star was receiving experimental treatment toward the end of her life, but has received no response.

However, Parton’s contribution to another recent medical advancement is widely known.

In November 2020, it was revealed she made a $1-million US donation to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center for COVID-19 research — and part of it went toward the development of the Moderna mRNA coronavirus vaccine.

When it came time for Parton to receive her first dose, she did it on camera while singing alternative lyrics to her song Jolene. “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I’m begging you please don’t hesitate.”

The doctor seen administering her dose in that video is Dr. Naji Abumrad, who she first met at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in October 2013, after Parton was in a minor car accident.

The pair struck up a long and enduring friendship. According to an opinion piece this week in the New York Times by his son, Jad Abumrad, creator of the podcast Dolly Parton’s America, his father was with Parton in her last moments.

Stella Parton said she believes the world saw the famous singer for who she really was.

“My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known,” wrote Stella in her tribute. “She left the world a better place by being in it, so let’s follow her example.”