Dolly Parton‘s sister, Stella Parton, has asked for “more compassion” after being subjected to “insensitivity from strangers” in the wake of the country music icon’s death.
The 77-year-old revealed that she and her family have endured “fake AI garbage” and “snarky tweets” since Dolly died at 80 on August 25, 2026, following a “brief battle with cancer.”
Taking to Instagram on Friday, September 4, Stella posted a two-slide typed letter during her “coffee hour,” initially thanking fans “who have shown genuine support and love during this time of our family bereavement.”
“We will be okay in time but each of us will grieve in our own personal way,” she wrote in part.
“Sadly, because of the way our lives have been in front of the public, we have no choice but to be subjected to incredible pressure and insensitivity from strangers.
“There is a tremendous amount of AI and endless garbage being posted every day and it’s been challenging to absorb and or ignore.”
Elsewhere in the message, Stella wrote that Dolly “loved her fans and the public in general. That is the reason she chose not to express her opinions on a lot of things like politics, religion and individuals in the public eye.
“She knew as well as anyone what a negative vortex that could turn into which is nothing but a huge waste of positive energy.”
© InstagramWhile Stella said Dolly would have been “surprised and delighted by the love her family and she has been shown,” she later asked the public to “show more compassion and wisdom as we move forward.”
She added: “Use my sister’s life as an example for tolerance and respect toward others. It’s not about the most clever comments, fake AI garbage or snarky tweets.
© Getty Images“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!”
Dolly’s final resting place
Dolly was laid to rest on August 28, three days after her death, in a private funeral service strictly for close family and friends, who were pictured honoring the singer’s love for color and style in a variety of outfits, straying from traditional mourning black.
© WireImageDolly was buried at the Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum, right beside her husband of 59 years, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025.
Dolly’s private cancer battle
Dolly’s niece, Jada Star, revealed why the country music legend chose to keep her cancer diagnosis private in the weeks before her death.
© Getty ImagesAlthough Dolly’s representatives later confirmed that she had died following a “brief battle with cancer,” the singer had chosen not to publicly disclose her diagnosis or the type of cancer she had.
Speaking to Extra on September 1, Jada explained that protecting the people she loved was at the heart of her decision. “She never wanted to worry anybody,” she said. “So I think it was just a shock.”
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