Dolly Parton’s extensive record of charitable work has been widely acknowledged, and a heartfelt message from her sister sheds light on the deep-rooted spirit of generosity within her. Stella Parton shared on Instagram that she and Dolly used to have early morning phone conversations over coffee every Tuesday.
In one of their final talks, Dolly expressed to Stella her willingness to undergo experimental treatment even if there was no hope for her, all in the hope of benefiting others in the future. While CBC News sought confirmation from Dolly Parton’s publicist regarding the star’s involvement in experimental treatments towards the end of her life, no response has been provided.
Although details on Dolly’s potential experimental treatments remain unconfirmed, her significant contribution to COVID-19 research is well-known. In November 2020, she made a generous $1-million donation to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a portion of which supported the development of the Moderna mRNA coronavirus vaccine.
During her vaccination, Dolly chose to publicly receive her first dose while singing a modified version of her song “Jolene,” urging others not to hesitate in getting vaccinated. The administering doctor in the video, Dr. Naji Abumrad, had initially met Dolly at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2013 after a minor car accident, leading to a lasting friendship between them.
Reflecting on Dolly’s character, Stella Parton emphasized her sister’s exceptional generosity and kindness, stating that Dolly’s presence made the world a better place. Stella encouraged others to follow Dolly’s example of spreading kindness and positivity.