Dolly Parton Asked Her Sister for One Final Thing Before She Died

By Andrew Powell (/journals/andrew-powell)

Dolly Parton’s sister is sharing new details about the country music legend’s final days, including the last request Parton made of her before her death. According to Fox News, during an interview with "CBS Mornings," Stella Parton recalled that her sister asked her for prayer. "That’s the last thing Dolly asked me for, was prayer," she said. Dolly Parton died Aug. 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Her family has not publicly disclosed what type of cancer she had, and Stella said that decision should remain with Dolly. "She did not want people sad," Stella said, explaining that Dolly did not want fans worrying about her health. She said only some members of the extended family knew about the cancer diagnosis. Dolly had previously acknowledged health problems publicly. In 2025, she postponed Las Vegas performances after telling fans she needed to undergo several procedures, and later, her sister Freida sparked additional concern by asking people to pray for Dolly. Stella said Dolly was unhappy that Freida had publicly raised concerns about her condition because she preferred to keep her personal health matters private. "She could not bear negative things," Stella said, adding that Dolly did not want her fans to become worried about her. The singer's death came about five months after the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at age 82 following nearly 60 years of marriage. Stella said Dolly was deeply affected by Dean's death but rejected the idea that grief itself caused her illness. "I think she was very sad, but I don't think that's why she got sick," Stella said. She suggested Dolly's demanding work schedule and the years she spent caring for Dean may have contributed to her failing health. Stella described her sister's relationship with Dean as "very unique and very deep and loyal." She said Dean loved Dolly for who she was rather than being impressed by her worldwide fame. According to Stella, Dean would have preferred Dolly at home with her hair in a ponytail and barefoot in the kitchen, rather than surrounded by the glamour that accompanied her career. Despite the private nature of her illness, Stella said she believes Dolly was at peace before she died. "She knew where she was going," Stella said. "She wasn't going anywhere bad. She was going to be with mom and daddy." Stella said she hopes Dolly is remembered as "very sweet, kind, loving, brilliant and so talented." She also praised her sister's ability to dream big and inspire others to believe they could do the same. Watch the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP7GCt41e5o