Dolly Parton's sister Stella Parton is condemning the deluge of misinformation being spread in the wake of the country star's death.
The younger Parton, 77, took time from her morning “coffee hour" Friday, Sept. 4, to express how such online negativity has taken an emotional toll on her family as they continue grieving the “I Will Always Love You” singer, who died Aug. 25 at age 80.
In a two-slide statement on Instagram, Stella Parton first thanked the "genuine" supporters who have been kind and respectful during the Parton family's bereavement, then addressed the bad-faith social media users who have been anything but considerate.
Stella Parton slams 'fake AI garbage' following Dolly Parton's death
“Sadly, because of the way our lives have been lived in front of the public, we have no choice but to be subjected
to incredible pressure and insensitivity from strangers,” she wrote. “There is a tremendous amount of AI and endless garbage being posted everyday and it’s been challenging to absorb and or ignore.”
“As time passes, those who are in the business of exploiting the loss and tragedies of others on a daily basis will move on to the next stampede of endless misinformation,” Stella Parton added, imploring fans to "show more compassion and wisdom as we move forward in life."
Rather than indulge in "clever comments, fake AI garbage or snarky tweets" concerning the "Jolene" singer's death, Stella Parton urged fans to "use my sister's life as an example for tolerance and respect toward others."
As a final point of advice, she reminded fans to remember this: "At the end of the day or the end of a life, how will you feel about yourself? It's not about what other individuals you will never meet think of you!"
Stella Parton's message comes mere days after the "Steel Magnolias" actress' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was allegedly vandalized. (Her star has since been replaced and will reopen to the public Sept. 14.)
Stella Parton remembers Dolly Parton, recalls icon's final days
The "I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight" singer has been outspoken about grieving her sister's loss. When the news broke, she released a heartfelt tribute to her big sister, recalling their Tuesday morning routine and the Queen of Country's final days.
"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," she wrote on Facebook.
"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 resources as she continued to do to the very end," she added. "Dolly loved the world and everyone in it."
How did Dolly Parton die?
Parton died aged 80 on Aug. 25, following a private cancer battle, her representatives confirmed to USA TODAY. The "9 to 5" star's death came 16 months after the loss of Dean, who died in March 2025 at age 82.
Her nephew Bryan Seaver, who is the son of the singer's sister Cassie, delivered the news of her death via video announcement on social media, per her wishes.
Her niece Lainey Mae Parton confirmed on social media that Parton had been laid to rest on Aug. 28 in a small and private memorial held for her immediate family.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stella Parton slams 'fake AI garbage' in the wake of Dolly Parton's death
