Even while facing her own health battle, Dolly Parton was apparently thinking about people she would never meet.

In an emotional tribute, Dolly’s younger sister Stella Parton revealed a private conversation that showed just how far Dolly’s generosity extended.

Stella said Dolly told her that if doctors reached a point where there was no hope for her recovery, she would still be willing to let her medical team try experimental drugs on her — not simply for herself, but in the hope that what doctors learned might someday help other patients.

It was a remarkable request from a woman already known for decades of philanthropy.

According to Stella, the kindness millions of fans saw from Dolly wasn’t simply part of her public image. It was how she lived behind closed doors as well.

Stella described her sister as one of the most generous and thoughtful people she had ever known and said Dolly continued thinking about others right until the end.

The sisters also shared a simple tradition far removed from awards shows and concert stages: early Tuesday-morning phone calls over coffee.

For years, they would talk before sunrise, catching up, laughing, sharing family gossip and making plans.

Now Stella says those Tuesday mornings will never feel quite the same.

But she hopes Dolly’s generosity will continue through the people who loved her.

Her message to fans was simple: honor Dolly by being kinder, lifting others up and giving more of yourself to people who need it.

Even during one of the hardest chapters of her own life, Dolly Parton was apparently still asking one familiar question:

How can I help somebody else?