Dolly Parton's sister Stella Parton is opening up about the country music legend’s final days before her death.
Stella released a heartfelt tribute on her social media channels Aug. 27 to honor the life and memory of her older sister, who died Aug. 25 at age 80.
"My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday," the 77-year-old wrote. "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."
Stella said she and the "Jolene" singer – who had been battling cancer before her death, USA TODAY confirmed – had a peaceful morning ritual.
"Every Tuesday about this time, before the sun came up and the world was still asleep, she and I for many years had our
coffee together over the phone," the singer-songwriter wrote. "Being little farm girls we've continued to be early risers.
"As she liked to say; 'shoot Tedda we get more work done before the sun comes up than most folks do all day long!'" Stella continued, adding, "We would catch up on gossip, as sisters do, and drink coffee and make plans as it has always been our way."
Dolly Parton's sister Stella Parton details icon's final days
The "I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight" star also described her older sister as "one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people," saying Dolly's warm essence and generosity were no different in her personal life than they were as the Queen of Country.
Stella later opened up about the final days of the "I Will Always Love You" songbird, who was transparent about her health issues but whose cancer diagnosis was unknown to the public until she died.
"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 wrote.
"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."
Stella said when she complained about the state of the world, Dolly would remind her, "Shoot Tedda, we’ve got more important things to do than worry about their silly asses.
"She left the world a better place by being in it so let’s follow her example," she concluded.
Dolly Parton siblings: Who were her brothers and sisters?
The "Steel Magnolias" actress was born in Pittman Center, Tennessee, on Jan. 19, 1946, to parents Robert Lee Parton Sr. and Avie Lee Parton. She was the fourth-oldest of her 11 siblings.
She had six brothers and six sisters: Her older siblings were Willadeene, David and Coy, and her younger siblings were Bobby (Robert Jr.), Stella, Cassie, Randy, Larry, Floyd, Freida and Rachel.
How did Dolly Parton die?
Parton died aged 80 on Tuesday, 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.
"As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven't truly felt it until now," Seaver said. "It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dolly Parton's sister Stella reveals sweet nickname in emotional tribute
