Dolly Parton wanted to use her own cancer treatment to help other people.

The 9 to 5 hitmaker had been struggling with undisclosed health issues in recent months and after she passed away on Tuesday (25.08.26), her representatives confirmed she had died following a "brief battle" with an undisclosed form of cancer.

Dolly's younger sister Stella Parton, 77, has now told how the country music legend was open to the idea of being given "experimental drugs" even if there was "no hope" for her recovery so that medical staff could study their effects and one day use them on others.

Stella wrote on Facebook: "My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday.

If anyone gets to heaven I'm sure she made it right on time.

I know she's showing out big time, in all her sparkles and shine.

That was my sister's way...

"My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I've ever known.

What the world saw is exactly who she was, so much so, she told me recently that if there was no hope for her, she would still allow her medical team to try experimental drugs in the hope of helping others in the future."

Stella reflected on her weekly coffee catch ups over the phone with her sister.

She said: "Every Tuesday about this time, before the sun came up and the world was still asleep, she and I for many years had our coffee together over the phone.

"Being little farm girls we've continued to be early risers.

"As she liked to say; 'Shoot Tedda we get more work done before the sun comes up than most folks do all day long!'

"We would catch up on gossip, as sisters do, and drink coffee and make plans as it has always been our way. "

Stella urged Dolly's fans to "follow her example" by treating people with kindness and having an optimistic outlook on life.

She wrote: "My sister was always thinking of others and if you want to honor her legacy, show more kindness, lift others up and give more of your time and resources as she continued to do to the very end.

"I want to personally thank all of you for the out pouring of love and respect you are showing my sister.

"Your love and respect for her is deeply felt by all of us who loved her first and it helps as we grieve her passing through our lives!

"My Tuesday morning coffee time will never be the same but her love, respect and goodness will remain.

"Dolly loved the world and everyone in it.

"I would criticize and complain about it and she would laugh and say; 'Shoot Tedda, we've got more important things to do than worry about their silly asses.'

"She was right and she proved it everyday.

"She left the world a better place by being in it so let's follow her example. Love and respect to all of you. Stella."