In the final chapter of Dolly Parton’s life, the country music icon had one simple request for her sister: pray for me.
Stella Parton revealed during an interview with “CBS Mornings” that prayer was one of the final things her famous sister asked of her before her death.
“That’s the last thing Dolly asked me for: prayer,” Stella said, according to Fox News.
Dolly died Aug. 25 at age 80 following a short battle with cancer, a diagnosis she kept out of the public eye. Fox News reported that Stella said the family does not intend to disclose the specific type of cancer out of respect for Dolly’s wishes.
Yet perhaps even more striking than Dolly’s desire for privacy was what Stella revealed about her sister’s outlook as she approached the end of her life.
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“She knew where she was going,” Stella said. “She wasn’t going anywhere bad. She was going to be with mom and daddy. She was prepared. Yeah, she was definitely prepared.”
For a woman whose unmistakable voice and larger-than-life personality made her one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world, her final request points to something far beyond the fame and fortune that defined her public life.
Dolly had spoken openly about her Christian upbringing and faith throughout her career. And as her health declined privately, prayer once again became deeply personal, not as part of a performance or public statement, but as a request between sisters.
Stella said Dolly did not want fans worrying about her illness. But according to the sister who knew her long before the world knew the name Dolly Parton, she approached the end believing she knew where she was headed.
And when the spotlight faded, Dolly asked for prayer.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
