Stella Parton Opens Up About Sister Dolly’s Life & Legacy In New Interview
on
Stella Parton sat down with CBS Mornings’ Gayle King for her first interview since her sister Dolly’s death.
Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80, leaving behind numerous beloved family members, including her sister Stella. In an interview that aired Thursday morning, Stella opened up for the first time about her sister’s death, giving fans a glimpse into her relationship with Dolly.
Dolly Parton’s relationship with her family and those closest to her can best be described in one word: loyal. Those who knew and loved Dolly the most protected her privacy and guarded their relationship while she was alive, and are still doing so today.
Stella Parton Talks About Dolly’s Cancer Diagnosis
During Stella Parton’s interview with Gayle King, she kept some information about Dolly’s death and her life under wraps. The family announced shortly after the “Jolene” singer’s passing that she died after a brief battle with cancer, but declined to share what type of cancer she had been diagnosed with.
When asked by King why the family chose to keep that information private, Stella said, “That was [Dolly’s] business.” She added that while Dolly didn’t ask them to keep the details under wraps, she also didn’t give them permission to share it. “It’s not my business to tell her business.”
Dolly Parton & Carl Dean’s Relationship
One of the most fascinating aspects of Dolly Parton’s life was her relationship with her husband, Carl Dean. The pair were married for nearly 60 years until his death in 2025, and somehow, he managed to stay out of the spotlight despite his wife being one of the biggest stars in the world.
“He adored her,” Stella said of Carl Dean. “He was fascinated with her. He thought she was funny like Tinkerbell.”
She added that they had “a sweet romance,” but didn’t care about the business and entertainment side of her life.
“He would rather her be at the house with her hair up in a ponytail, barefooted, cooking in the kitchen, and just messin’ around the house,” Stella said of Carl.
Even though Carl didn’t care for the spotlight, he was proud of Dolly. “He loved her enough to let her be what she was,” Stella shared.
She shut down any notion that Dolly died of a broken heart 17 months after Carl Dean’s death. She told King that Dolly was “very sad,” but doesn’t think that the sadness of losing Carl is what led to her death.
RELATED: DOLLY PARTON LAID TO REST BESIDE HUSBAND CARL DEAN IN PRIVATE FUNERAL SERVICE
“I think she worked too hard and didn’t maybe take as good of care of herself as she should’ve,” Stella said. “I know their relationship was very unique and very deep and loyal, and I think it broke her heart to see him in the shape he got to before he passed away. But I don’t think that’s what made her sick.”
What Stella Misses Most About Dolly
Stella Parton was just three years younger than Dolly, so the two grew up as close friends. Every Tuesday until Dolly’s passing, the two would have “coffee together over the phone.”
“We would catch up on gossip, as sisters do, and drink coffee and make plans as it has always been our way,” Stella shared in a Facebook post a few days after Dolly died.
When asked by Gayle King what she will miss the most about Dolly, she replied:
“Her optimism is what I’m gonna miss the most because she was the most optimistic person I ever knew,” she said, adding that she knew Dolly was at peace at the end of her life.
“I know she was at peace,” Stella said. “She knew where she was going. She wasn’t going anywhere bad. She was going to be with momma and daddy.”
Stella Never Saw Dolly Without Her Makeup
In a shocking admission, Stella shared that she never saw her sister without her infamous wig and makeup after she became “Dolly Parton.”
“She would sleep in her makeup when she’d come spend the night with me,” Stella admitted, laughing. “I knew what she looked like without makeup. She looked like me.”
Who Didn’t Reach Out To Stella After Dolly’s Death?
Tributes and condolences poured in from around the world, but surprisingly, Stella Parton didn’t hear from anyone in the country music community.
Stella told Gayle that she hasn’t heard from anyone in Nashville, and she suspects that it is due to her political beliefs. Stella has been outspoken on social media about her political views, and suspects that it may have alienated her from the country music community.
“I haven’t had one condolence from anyone, anybody, entertainers that I know, nobody. Not one,” she said. “I’m assuming it might be because of my political activism on social media. I don’t know.”
When asked about Dolly’s political beliefs, something the star never spoke out about, Stella maintained that she wouldn’t reveal where Dolly stood.
“She had them,” Stella said of Dolly’s political views. “I’m not telling. She never shared. She never would have done that. She was smarter than me … She was a good businesswoman.”
When asked if Dolly shared her political views, Stella replied, “I will not talk about that.”
How Does Stella Want Dolly To Be Remembered?
“I want you to remember her as a very sweet, kind, loving, brilliant – and so talented. Her creativity knew no bounds. She could dream bigger than anybody,” Stella said of her sister.
Stella added that she wants Dolly’s story to inspire young boys and girls who haven’t been given the opportunity to dream. “She gave us permission to dream.”
Watch Stella Parton’s full interview with Gayle King below.
