Dolly Parton considered 'no hope' scenario for cancer treatment, per sister

Dolly Parton had a plan in place for if her cancer treatment did not work out.

The country icon’s sister, Stella Parton, revealed that Dolly hoped her treatment could help future patients battling cancer. In an emotional Instagram tribute shared on Thursday, August 27, two days after Dolly’s death, Stella reflected on the singer’s lifelong desire to help others.

“My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known,” Stella wrote.

She said the person the world saw was exactly who Dolly was in private, recalling a recent conversation about the singer’s cancer treatment.

“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,” Stella continued.

Dolly died at age 80 following what her team described as a “brief battle with cancer.” She had been open about other health issues in recent months, but had not publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis.