Stella Parton spoke about her sister, Dolly Parton, in an interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings. Stella shared that Dolly was “definitely prepared” and at peace before her passing after battling cancer.

“I know she was at peace,” Stella stated. “I could always tell by looking at her face, even if I hadn’t seen her in months.”

Fans are grieving the loss of Dolly, known as a country music icon and visionary. However, to Stella, Dolly was a beloved big sister who she connected with every Tuesday morning over coffee.

Stella shared that Dolly felt she was going to a good place, to be reunited with their parents. Reflecting on Dolly’s career, which began when Dolly was just 10 years old, Stella described her sister as “like a bird that just flew off” from their challenging upbringing in Tennessee.

Dolly was married to Carl Thomas Dean for nearly 60 years until his passing last year. Stella described him as quiet and idolizing Dolly, yet preferring a simpler life at home. Despite their differences, their relationship was deep and loyal.

Stella believes Dolly’s illness wasn’t brought on by heartbreak but by her relentless work ethic and dedication, even in her final conversations.

Dolly was a proficient businesswoman, maintaining her political views privately. Stella commented on Dolly’s unwavering personal image. “She would sleep in her makeup when she’d come spend the night with me,” Stella noted.

Despite widespread public mourning, Stella mentioned she hadn’t received personal condolences from Nashville acquaintances. She pondered if her political activism could be the reason.

Stella highlighted missing Dolly’s optimism the most, wishing for her legacy to inspire young people to dream big, just as Dolly did.