Dolly Parton was ready to try ‘experimental drugs’ in final days for medical research

| Live News reporter Published August 28, 2026 10:32am Updated August 28, 2026 10:32am Dolly Parton was willing to donate her own body to medical researchers (Picture: REUTERS) Even in her last days, Dolly Parton was determined to do her bit to help save the world. The country music legend’s death on August 25, aged 80, after a ‘brief battle with cancer’ prompted a huge outpouring of love for the late star. Beyond her huge hits, Dolly had become known for her philanthropy. At every opportunity, she shared her fortune with those in need. It’s been reported that she donated over $500million throughout her life to healthcare research, children’s literacy, LGBTQ+ organisations, animal conservation, and disaster relief. Her sister Stella, 77, has revealed that that generosity extended to her final days, with Dolly offering up her own body to medical researchers. ‘My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known,’ she shared. Her sister Stella paid tribute to her generosity (Picture: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images) ‘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 added: ‘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.’ In Dolly’s honour, her sister – who is also a singer – asked fans to show ‘more kindness’ to others and to give ‘more of your time and resources as she continued to do, to the very end.’ One of the Two Doors Down singer’s final posts on Instagram was to share her Imagination Library, revealing Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce had donated $2million. In 1995, her nonprofit Imagination Library was founded, mailing free books to children from birth to age five, regardless of family income. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video To this day, it has gifted over 300 million books worldwide, with one in 10 under-fives in the USA enrolled in the scheme. Famously, Dolly also jumped into action in 2020 during the Covid pandemic, donating $1million to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center for research. That money is credited with helping to fund and create the Moderna vaccine. Reflecting on her sister, Stella concluded: ‘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. Dolly’s impact went beyond just her fabulous music (Picture: Jon Morgan/CBS via Getty Images) ‘She was right and she proved it everyday.’ Dolly has been fondly remembered by everyone from Vin Diesel – in a musical tribute – to Sir Elton John and Beyonce. Miley Cyrus also shared a touching tribute to her ‘Aunt Dolly’, who was her godmother and a close confidant, recalling their ‘most sacred moments’. Deals of the Day A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder Shop MySweetSmile's biggest Bank Holiday offers before they end Back-to-school shopping just got a lot cheaper thanks to Primark The back-to-school essential parents forget every year – and it could cost them Simba's cooling mattresses are now up to 30% off ahead of the bank holiday Even US President Donald Trump said flags would be flown at half-mast for the star, who really was a rare force of unwavering kindness. Arrow MORE: CNN apologises to Dolly Parton’s family after using photo of impersonator in death report Arrow MORE: Transformers and Winnie the Pooh voice actor Peter Cullen dies aged 85 Arrow MORE: Huge UK cinema chain ‘has no current plans’ to show new Ali G film