Dolly Parton’s Final Request Was Prayer as She Looked Forward to Heaven, Sister Says

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Dolly Parton was known as a woman of faith, and her sister says in a new interview that the legendary singer turned to others for spiritual support shortly before her death.

Stella Parton told CBS Mornings this week that her famous sister didn’t want others to know details about her battle with cancer, even though Dolly herself knew it was serious and understood that she might be nearing the end of her life. She died last month at the age of 80.

Stella Parton didn’t disclose the type of cancer Dolly had — “that was her business” —but she did offer a glimpse into her sister’s final days and the faith that sustained her.

“I know she was at peace,” Stella Parton said of Dolly’s final days.

“I could always tell by looking at her face, even if I hadn't seen her in months on camera,” Stella added about her sister’s peaceful demeanor. “I could tell if she was hurt, angry, happy or sad or felt bad. I could see it on her. She's my sister. You know, we were very close as a family.”

Dolly looked forward to heaven, Stella added.

“She knew where she was going. She wasn't going anywhere bad. She was going to be with mom and daddy. She was definitely prepared.”

Stella Parton, herself a singer, also revealed what her sister’s final request to her was.

“The last thing Dolly asked me for was prayer,” said Stella, 77, adding that she told another sister, Freida, the same.

The interview touched on other aspects of Dolly Parton’s life, including her always camera-ready appearance. Parton was known for her makeup, hair and wardrobe.

Stella told CBS Mornings that once Dolly became famous, she never saw her without makeup.

“Not after she got to be Dolly Parton – no,” Stella said. “She would sleep in her makeup when she'd come spend the night with me.”

Stella added, laughing, “I knew what she looked like. She looked like me without her makeup.”

Meanwhile, Stella said she will miss her sister’s bubbly outlook on life but is grateful she is no longer suffering.

“Her optimism is what I'm going to miss the most because she was the most optimistic person I ever knew, and I'm going to miss that.

“[But] I don't miss her struggling in pain.”

Photo Credit: ©Andrew Lipovsky/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.