Stella Parton, the younger sister of the late country music legend Dolly Parton, has publicly appealed for more compassion and wisdom as her family grieves, while condemning the wave of AI-generated content and online negativity that has followed the singer's passing.
In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram, Stella, 77, thanked those who have shown "genuine" support and love during what she called "this time of our family bereavement." But she also addressed the darker side of the public reaction, saying the family has been "subjected to incredible pressure and insensitivity from strangers."
"There is a tremendous amount of AI and endless garbage being posted everyday and it's been challenging to absorb and or ignore," she wrote, as quoted by multiple outlets. She predicted that those "in the business of exploiting the loss and tragedies of others on a daily basis will move on to the next stampede of endless misinformation."
Stella emphasized that Dolly, who died on August 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer, would have been "surprised and delighted" by the outpouring of love from around the world. She noted that Dolly "loved her fans and the public in general," and that this was the reason she \"chose not to express her opinions on a lot of things like politics, religion and individuals in the public eye."
"She knew as well as anyone what a negative vortex that could turn into which is nothing but a huge waste of positive energy," Stella wrote, echoing a sentiment Dolly herself reportedly held.
Stella urged the public to channel her sister's positivity, writing: "My sister was a positive influence to the world into which she was born. She used her music as a tool and a passion to move people in a positive way." She asked people to "show more compassion and wisdom as we move forward in life" and to "use my sister's life as an example for tolerance and respect toward others."
In a direct rebuke to online critics, Stella added: "It's not about the most clever comments, fake AI garbage or snarky tweets. At the end of the day or the end of a life, how will you feel about yourself? It's not about what other individuals you will never meet think of you!"
The statement, which came more than a week after Dolly's death, was not the first time Stella had addressed the loss publicly. Two days after her sister's passing, she posted a tribute on Instagram, writing: "My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday. 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."
Dolly Parton's representative confirmed her death in a statement, describing her as a "global icon and humanitarian" who "died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee." The representative added: \"A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.\"