Dolly Parton’s last moments revealed by sister Stella in interview with Gayle King
Sister Stella Parton has opened up about the beloved singer’s death.
Dolly Parton’s final moments have been revealed.
The legendary singer died in Nashville on August 25 at the age of 80.
In a sit-down with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, sister Stella revealed that the Jolene singer was “definitely prepared” for her death.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“She knew where she was goin’,” Stella said.
“She wasn’t goin’ anywhere bad. She was going to be with Mama and Daddy.”
The interview was held inside a Nashville recording studio where Dolly recorded some of her most memorable hits.
Stella spoke about her sister’s career, business prowess, and her husband.
For nearly 60 years, Dolly was married to Carl Dean, who died in March, 2025.
Stella said he simply “adored” her sister.
“He was fascinated with her. He thought she was funny like Tinker Bell, you know?” she said.
Stella said that Dean “loved her enough to let her be what she was”.
“He would rather her be at the house with her hair up in a ponytail and barefooted, cookin’ in the kitchen and just, you know, messin’ around the house.
“That’s, I think, that’s what he would have preferred.”
Stella described him as “quiet and shy” and his death left Dolly “very sad”.
“I know their relationship was very unique and very deep and loyal,” she said.
“And I think it broke her heart to see him in the shape he, you know, got to before he passed away.
“But I don’t think that’s what made her sick.
“I think my sister worked so hard for so long and just kept going.
“You know, even to the last conversation I had with her, she was working. That was her passion.”
Stella said her sister was a “good businesswoman” who never took her makeup off.
“She would sleep in her makeup when she’d come spend the night with me,” she said.
Dolly’s death came after a brief battle with cancer, although the type has not been disclosed.
Although devastated at the loss of her sister, Stella said she knew Dolly “was at peace”.
It was the singer’s optimism that she said she would miss most.
“She was the most optimistic person I ever knew,” Stella said.
“Her creativity had no bounds, you know?
“And she could dream bigger than anybody.
“And I want young people, young– young girls and boys that may think they have no opportunity to dream, coming from our situation; she gave us permission to dream that way.”
