Dolly Parton’s Sister Stella Shares Important Message Following Her Death
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Dolly Parton’s younger sister, Stella, is speaking out against the negativity and hurtful messages circulating online following the country music icon’s death.
Dolly shared a close bond with her 11 siblings, six of whom are still living today. Perhaps that connection is why her siblings will forever remain protective of their superstar older sister.
On Friday (September 4), Dolly’s younger sister, Stella, took to social media to address some of the comments and posts she has seen since her passing.
Stella is just three years younger than the late “Jolene” singer and the two remained close throughout Dolly’s life. Like her famous sister, Stella developed a passion for music at an early age and began performing as a child.
She launched her professional country music career in the 1970s and went on to release numerous albums and charting singles. One of her best-known songs, “I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight,” became a country hit in 1975.
Stella Parton Shares An Important Message For Fans Following Dolly’s Death
Stella began by thanking fans for their unwavering support as the Parton family navigates this incredibly difficult time.
“First let me say, thank you to the ones of you who have shown ‘genuine’ support and love during this time of our family bereavement,” she wrote. “We will be okay in time but each of us will grieve in our own personal way. Every human being experiences pain and loss in life and my family is no different. Sadly, because of the way our lives have been lived in front of the public, we have no choice but to be subjected to incredible pressure and insensitivity from strangers.”
She continued, saying that Dolly only ever wanted to use her music to influence the world in a positive way. However, the amount of “endless” garbage being posted has been difficult for the family to ignore.
“I walked alongside her my entire life and witnessed and experienced many of the same slights and insults even through this recent loss in our lives,” Stella said. “Finally, I ask that you show more compassion and wisdom as we move forward in life. Use my sister’s life as an example of tolerance and respect toward others. It’s not about the most clever comments, AI garbage or snarky tweets. At the end of the day or the end of a life, how will you feel about yourself? It’s not about what other individuals you will never meet think of you!”
You can read Stella Parton’s full post below.
— Stella Parton (@StellaParton) September 4, 2026
