Dolly Parton's Younger Sister Stella 'Still Can't Believe' Country Music Icon Is Dead: 'My Tuesday Morning Coffee Time Will Never Be the Same'

Dolly Parton's younger sister, Stella Parton, is still in shock following the country music icon's death at age 80.

Stella, 77, broke her silence via social media on Thursday, August 27, two days after Dolly died in Nashville on Tuesday, August 25.

In an emotional Instagram post, Stella admitted she "still can't believe" Dolly "is gone" and reflected on the special bond she shared with her older sister, revealing that the pair had a longstanding tradition of talking on the phone over coffee every Tuesday morning.

"My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday," Stella began. "If anyone gets to heaven I'm sure she made it right on time."

Stella explained that, for many years, she and Dolly would wake up early and have their coffee together over the phone. The sisters would use the time to catch up on family gossip, make plans and simply enjoy each other's company.

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

Beyond their sisterly relationship, Stella praised Dolly for the kindness and generosity she showed throughout her life and career.

"My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I've ever known," she wrote, adding that what the public saw of Dolly was "exactly who she was."

Stella also shared that Dolly had recently told her that, even if there was no hope for her medically, she would allow her medical team to try experimental drugs if doing so could potentially help others in the future.

The sentiment, Stella suggested, was reflective of the way Dolly lived her life — always thinking about how she could help other people.

"If you want to honor her legacy, show more kindness, lift others up, and give more of your time and resources," Stella urged.

She also thanked fans for the outpouring of love and support the family has received since Dolly's death. Stella's tribute painted a picture of a private sibling relationship that remained grounded despite Dolly's unprecedented fame.

Recalling their conversations, Stella said she would sometimes criticize or complain about the world, while Dolly would laugh and remind her that they had 'more important things to do' than worry about other people's opinions.

"She was right, and she proved it every day," Stella wrote. She left the world a better place by being in it, so let's follow her example."

In the caption accompanying her Instagram tribute, went on to describe Dolly as "a light in a world that can be so dark at times."

"She was a legend and an icon and yet so down to earth, generous, kind and caring and boy did she have the biggest heart!" Stella wrote.

Stella's remarks come just two days after the "Jolene" singer's death was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who shared the news in a nearly 3-minute Instagram video. The country music legend's team later confirmed that she died following a "brief battle with cancer."