The tributes continue to pour in for musical and philanthropic legend Dolly Parton following her death on August 25, highlighting not only her gift as a musician, but the heart behind her sparkle.
The latest comes from none other than her younger sister Stella Parton. The 77-year-old is also a musician and actor, just like her older sister was, and the pair are two of the family's 12 siblings, all of whom grew up in a two-room cabin in Tennessee.
© Getty ImagesThe morning of August 27, Stella took to her social media page to thank the millions of fans worldwide who've shown her and their family love after Dolly's passing, shedding some light on their relationship and her sister's true self.
Dolly's sister Stella Parton's tribute
"My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday," Stella began. "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."
She thanked fans later in the tribute for all their support and adoration. "I want to personally thank all of you for the outpouring of love and respect you are showing my sister."
"Your love and respect for her is deeply felt by all of us who loved her first, and it helps as we grieve her passing through our lives!"
How Dolly wanted to help others until the day she died
The musician also mentioned how true the image of Dolly as a philanthropist was to her real self, so much so that it extended into her final days and her health struggles. "My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I've ever known."
© Instagram"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 revealed.
"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," Stella continued.
Stella and Dolly's weekly ritual
She also elaborated on the weekly Tuesday morning coffee ritual she had with her older sister, one that persevered for years and highlighted their close bond. "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."
© Instagram"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!' We would catch up on gossip, as sisters do, and drink coffee and make plans, as it has always been our way."
"My Tuesday morning coffee time will never be the same, but her love, respect and goodness will remain," she continued.
Stella concluded with: "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.' She was right, and she proved it every day."
© Getty Images"She left the world a better place by being in it, so let's follow her example. Love and respect to all of you. Stella Parton."
