Stella Parton says her sister Dolly, who reportedly died on Tuesday after a brief battle with cancer, was prepared to let doctors test experimental treatments if there was no hope of recovery. Stella presented this as evidence of Dolly Parton’s lifelong concern for others and urged people to honour her legacy through kindness and practical support.

Dolly Parton had reportedly been admitted to a Nashville hospital after kidney and autoimmune problems, having postponed Las Vegas shows in September because of health issues. Stella’s Facebook tribute described their regular early-morning telephone coffees and said the family was grateful for public condolences; The Hollywood Reporter said it had sought comment from the Parton estate.