Dolly Parton's younger sister Stella has spoken about the country singer's final days, revealing that Parton's last request was simply to be kept in her prayers. Parton died on 25 August aged 80 following what her spokesperson described as a "brief battle with cancer," and Stella's comments, made during an interview with CBS Mornings' Gayle King, offer rare insight into the family's private final exchanges with the beloved star.

Stella, 77, addressed speculation that Parton's decline may have been linked to grief after the death of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, in March at the age of 82, saying she believed Parton's relentless work ethic, rather than heartbreak, contributed to her illness. She also declined to elaborate on the exact nature of Parton's cancer, saying it was not her place to share details her sister had not authorised. Parton's manager confirmed she worked until her final days, having lined up numerous posthumous projects including a hotel, museum, merchandise lines and a Broadway musical opening in December.