Dolly Parton spent her life thinking about other people, and according to her sister, that kindness remained with her until the very end.

After the country music icon died at 80 on August 25 following a brief battle with cancer, her younger sister Stella Parton shared an emotional tribute. In the message, Stella revealed a deeply personal detail about Dolly’s final wishes and the way she wanted to help others even when there was little hope left for herself.

“My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known,” Stella wrote in an August 27 Instagram post.

She explained that Dolly had recently told her that if doctors believed there was no longer hope for her recovery, she would still allow her medical team to try experimental treatments if doing so could help other patients in the future.

“My sister was always thinking of others,” Stella wrote. “And if you want to honor her legacy, show more kindness, lift others up, and give more of your time and resources, as she continued to do to the very end.”

Dolly’s nephew Bryan Seaver announced her death on August 25. Her representatives later confirmed that cancer was the cause of death.

While Stella was grieving the loss of her sister, she also used her tribute to remember the special bond they shared.

“My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday,” she wrote. “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.”

Stella, 77, also opened up about one of their sweetest traditions. Because both sisters grew up on a farm and became early risers, they would regularly have coffee together over the phone early Tuesday mornings.

“We would catch up on gossip, as sisters do,” Stella recalled. “And drink coffee and make plans, as it has always been our way.”

Now, Stella says those Tuesday morning conversations will never feel the same.

Still, she knows the love and values Dolly shared throughout her life will remain.

“Tuesday morning coffee time will never be the same,” Stella wrote, before adding that Dolly’s “love, respect and goodness will remain.”

Stella also remembered how differently the sisters sometimes viewed the world. While Stella admitted she could be critical or frustrated about things, Dolly often responded with laughter and reminded her sister not to waste time worrying about other people.

“Dolly loved the world and everyone in it,” Stella wrote.

She recalled Dolly laughing and telling her, “shoot Tedda, we’ve got more important things to do than worry about their silly asses.”

For Stella, those words summed up Dolly’s approach to life.

“She was right, and she proved it every day,” she wrote.

Dolly Parton’s legacy has always been about more than her music. From her songs and business ventures to her charitable work, she spent decades finding ways to make life better for others.

Stella believes the best way to remember her sister is to continue that work.

“She left the world a better place by being in it,” Stella concluded. “So let’s follow her example.”