Dolly Parton’s sister, Stella Parton, is reflecting on the “Jolene” singer’s mindset before her death.
Appearing on the Thursday, September 10 edition of CBS Mornings, Stella, 77, acknowledged that Dolly appeared to be ready for what was to come. (Dolly died at age 80 on August 25, after a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.)
“I know she was at peace,” Stella told host Gayle King. “I could always tell by looking at her face, even if I hadn’t seen her in months.”
Stella continued, “On camera, I could tell if she was hurt, angry, happy or sad or felt bad. I could see it on her. She was my sister. You know, we were very close as a family. She knew where she was going. She wasn’t going anywhere bad, she was going to be with Momma and Daddy.”
Speaking about Dolly nearing the end of her life, Stella added, “She was definitely prepared.”
During the interview, Stella explained why her sister chose not to share publicly that she was struggling with serious health issues.
“Well, Dolly did not want anybody to tell that because Dolly could not bear negative things and she would not have wanted her fans worried about it,” Stella revealed. “She didn’t want a lot of the family worried about it. Some of us knew, the ones that were closer, but not every relative.”
Stella also shared that she thought Dolly would be pleased at the outpouring of love that has been expressed since her passing.
“She’d be really happy and delighted that people have shown her so much love because she knew that that would make us feel better as her family,” Stella said.
Last month, Us confirmed the “9 to 5” country icon had died.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author, died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” Dolly’s rep said in a statement. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”
Stella broke her silence on Dolly’s death via Instagram two days later.
“My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday. If anyone gets to heaven, I’m sure she made it right on time,” she wrote on August 27. “I know she’s showing out big time, in all her sparkles and shine. That was my sister’s way.”
