Even in her last days, Dolly Parton was determined to do her bit to help save the world.
The country music legend’s death on August 25, aged 80, after a ‘brief battle with cancer’ prompted a huge outpouring of love for the late star.
Beyond her huge hits, Dolly had become known for her philanthropy. At every opportunity, she shared her fortune with those in need.
It’s been reported that she donated over $500million throughout her life to healthcare research, children’s literacy, LGBTQ+ organisations, animal conservation, and disaster relief.
Her sister Stella, 77, has revealed that that generosity extended to her final days, with Dolly offering up her own body to medical researchers.
‘My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known,’ she shared.
‘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 added: ‘If anyone gets to heaven, I’m sure she made it right on time. I know she’s showing out big time, in all her sparkles and shine. That was my sister’s way.’
In Dolly’s honour, her sister – who is also a singer – asked fans to show ‘more kindness’ to others and to give ‘more of your time and resources as she continued to do, to the very end.’
One of the Two Doors Down singer’s final posts on Instagram was to share her Imagination Library, revealing Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce had donated $2million.
In 1995, her nonprofit Imagination Library was founded, mailing free books to children from birth to age five, regardless of family income.
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To this day, it has gifted over 300 million books worldwide, with one in 10 under-fives in the USA enrolled in the scheme.
Famously, Dolly also jumped into action in 2020 during the Covid pandemic, donating $1million to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center for research.
That money is credited with helping to fund and create the Moderna vaccine.
Reflecting on her sister, Stella concluded: ‘Dolly loved the world and everyone in it. I would criticize and complain about it and she would laugh and say; “shoot Tedda, we’ve got more important things to do than worry about their silly asses.
Dolly Parton: 1946 – 2026
Dolly Parton, an icon of music, film, philanthropy, wisecracks and rhinestones, has died at the age of 80.
The Queen of Country Music’s death was announced on Tuesday August 25, prompting an outpouring of grief across the world.
Follow Metro’s coverage of the death of Dolly Parton:
- Dolly Parton’s cause of death confirmed, after the star recently revealed she had been unwell
- Miley Cyrus writes heartfelt message to her godmother ‘Aunt Dolly’
- Heartbroken celebrities including Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Sir Elton John pay tribute to the ‘unique and irreplaceable’ music legend
- Dolly Parton’s funeral details revealed and the song she wanted to be played
- Remembering Dolly Parton’s unlikely love for Rotherham
- The devastating moment 9 to 5 The Musical audience told Dolly Parton has died
- Inside Dolly Parton’s private and ‘wonderful’ marriage of nearly 60 years to Carl Dean
- Celebrate Dolly’s career with these seven movies
‘She was right and she proved it everyday.’
Dolly has been fondly remembered by everyone from Vin Diesel – in a musical tribute – to Sir Elton John and Beyonce.
Miley Cyrus also shared a touching tribute to her ‘Aunt Dolly’, who was her godmother and a close confidant, recalling their ‘most sacred moments’.
Even US President Donald Trump said flags would be flown at half-mast for the star, who really was a rare force of unwavering kindness.