How Stella Parton Says Others Can Honor Late Sister Dolly Parton's Legacy

Stella Parton wrote a sweet tribute to her late sister, beloved country legend Dolly Parton, and shared how others can honor Dolly's legacy.

Dolly "died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old," stated an official announcement issued Tuesday (August 25). Dolly's representatives confirmed to PEOPLE hours later that the "I Will Always Love You" artist passed "after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer." The country music community and many others around the world have shared emotional tributes as they mourn Dolly's loss and honor her life.

"My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday," Stella, 77, posted on Instagram on Thursday morning (August 27). "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.

"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," the younger singer-songwriter continued. "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 sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I've ever known," Stella wrote. "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.

Dolly and Stella were two of 12 children born to Evie Lee Parton and Robert Lee Parton in Sevier County, Tennessee. The siblings also include Willadeene, David, Coy "Denver,"Robert Jr. ("Bobby"), Cassie, Randy, Larry (who died shortly after his birth in 1955), Floyd, Freida and Rachel. Dolly is preceded in death by siblings Larry, Floyd (who died in 2018 at age 61), Randy (who died in 2021 at age 67), David (who died in 2024 at age 82), and Coy (who died earlier this year at age 82).

The official announcement issued Tuesday stated that "Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 - 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 - 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 - 2000). …At Dolly's request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly's fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library."