Dolly Parton's sister is opening up about one of their final conversations and the simple request the singer made before her death. The Dolly Parton’s Sister Shares The Emotional ‘Last’ Request The Singer Made Before Her Death first appeared on The Blast

Dolly Parton’s sister Stella is opening up about one of their final conversations and the simple but emotional request the singer made before her death.

The country music legend died on August 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond her music.

While reflecting on their close relationship, Stella revealed that Dolly Parton remained hopeful even as her health declined.

Stella Parton Reveals Dolly’s Heartfelt Final Request

Stella and Dolly shared a close bond that continued until the final weeks of the singer’s life. One of their traditions was a Tuesday morning phone call, when the sisters would have coffee together and catch up before beginning their day.

Following Dolly’s death, Stella reflected on those conversations during an interview with Gayle King on “CBS Mornings.” When asked about the final things her sister said to her, Stella revealed that Dolly turned to her faith during that difficult period.

“The last thing Dolly asked me for was prayer,” she recalled, per Entertainment Weekly.

Stella said one of the qualities she would miss most was her sister’s unwavering positivity. Even while dealing with health problems, Dolly continued looking toward the future rather than allowing her circumstances to completely overshadow her outlook.

“Her optimism is what I’m gonna miss the most,” Stella said, remembering Dolly as someone whose imagination and creativity seemed limitless.

The Country Singer’s Sister Dismisses Claims She Died Of A ‘Broken Heart’

Dolly experienced a devastating personal loss before her own death when Carl Dean, her husband of nearly six decades, died in March 2025. His passing naturally raised questions about how deeply the loss affected the singer during the final period of her life.

Stella acknowledged that watching Dean’s health deteriorate was painful for her sister. She recalled that Dolly was deeply saddened by his condition and eventual death, but rejected the idea that grief caused the illness that later claimed her life.

“I think she was very sad, but I don’t think that’s why she got sick,” Stella explained.

According to Stella, the emotional impact of losing Dean should not be confused with the cause of Dolly’s health problems.

“I think it broke her heart to see him in the shape” he was in before his death, Stella said, adding, “I don’t think that’s what made her sick. I think my sister worked so hard for so long.”

• Dolly Parton revealed how her “open” marriage with late husband, Carl Dean, worked.
• The singer’s creative director revealed the promise he kept for her for 35 years.
• Dolly’s final selfless act with “experimental drugs” revealed.
• About her final conversation with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus.
• She made plans before her death to help family avoid feuds over her estate.
• Dolly shared why she didn’t have any children and doesn’t regret it.

Dolly Parton’s Relentless Work Ethic May Have Taken A Toll On Her Health

Instead of attributing Dolly’s illness to heartbreak, Stella believes her sister may simply have pushed herself too hard for too long.

“I think she worked too hard and didn’t take as good care of herself as she should,” Stella said, later emphasizing that Dolly had maintained an intense work ethic for decades.

Even as her health became more challenging, slowing down did not come naturally to the country icon. Dolly had canceled appearances and her Las Vegas residency, but she remained focused on projects she still hoped to complete.

Shortly before her death, Dolly acknowledged that caring for Dean had also caused her to overlook some of her own medical concerns. She explained that she was dealing with issues she “just didn’t pay attention to” while looking after her husband.

Still, her desire to create impact remained intact. Dolly said she had “so many things” she still hoped to accomplish and intended to continue working for as long as her health allowed.

The Country Music Legend Hid Her Cancer Battle From Her Loved Ones

Dolly kept the seriousness of her illness very private, with even some relatives unaware that she had cancer.

According to Stella, her sister did not want her diagnosis becoming a source of sadness for the people around her.

“She didn’t want a lot of the family worried about it,” Stella explained, revealing that only some of those closest to Dolly knew what she was facing.

The decision also extended to her fans. She said Dolly “would not have wanted her fans worried about it,” choosing instead to keep the details of her cancer battle largely out of public view until her death.

Dolly Parton’s Generosity Lasted Until The Very End

Even while privately battling cancer, Dolly was thinking about how her experience might benefit someone else. Stella revealed that her sister was willing to let doctors experiment with new treatments if conventional options could no longer help her.

Stella recalled Dolly saying that if there were “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 also described her sister as “one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people” she has ever known.

She encouraged fans hoping to honor Dolly to continue that example by showing kindness and helping others with their time and resources.

The spirit of generosity also shaped the family’s plans following her death, with mourners encouraged to support Dolly’s Imagination Library instead of sending flowers.

The Dolly Parton’s Sister Shares The Emotional ‘Last’ Request The Singer Made Before Her Death first appeared on The Blast