Dolly Parton’s rise to superstardom has been nothing short of phenomenal. But with her ever-growing fame came a heartbreaking consequence: less time for loved ones. This wasn’t lost on her sister, Stella.
In an interview, Stella opened up about the toll Dolly’s busy schedule took on their relationship, revealing she’s even shed a tear or two over the distance. While Dolly assures fans it was never intentional, it’s a reminder that even the brightest stars can struggle to balance the demands of success with the warmth of family.
Stella’s tears paint a poignant picture of the bittersweet cost of fame, even for those closest to the star.
Sisterly Struggles in the Spotlight
Dolly may be the biggest star in her family, but music runs deep in their blood. Stella, one of Dolly’s siblings, also pursued a singing career. However, their paths to success often placed them on separate stages, touring at the same time. This, Stella revealed, led to a heartbreaking reality – hardly ever seeing her sister.
Even during holidays spent together, precious moments of connection were rare. “I used to share a bedroom with Dolly,” Stella confided in a book interview, “and now I never see her.” Though they might cross paths occasionally at events, true quality time together remained elusive.
The distance took a deeper emotional toll on Stella. Tears welled in her eyes as she spoke about catching a glimpse of Dolly on television. “That’s my sister,” she said, the weight of the distance heavy in her voice.
A Serendipitous Reunion on the Road
Despite their packed schedules, both Dolly and Stella found themselves hotel nomads, crisscrossing the country. On one lucky occasion, fate intervened with a delightful twist. They unknowingly booked rooms in the same hotel!
The discovery came courtesy of a mistaken phone call. An operator, mistaking Stella’s room for Dolly’s, connected them. Stella hilariously recounted her response, mimicking Dolly’s iconic voice: “‘Stella, where you at? What are you doin’ callin’ me?’” Stella playfully teased, claiming she might be “nekkid” on the floor below.
This unexpected connection led to a precious stolen moment of sisterhood. While Stella cherished this impromptu visit, a hint of longing lingered. If they had known beforehand, they could have spent a planned evening together, perhaps catching Stella’s performance at the Palomino Club.
Sharing a Room, Sharing Dreams
Dolly and Stella, with only three years between them, were inseparable as children. In a talk show interview, Stella reminisced about their childhood bond.
“We shared a bedroom,” Stella laughed. While their personalities differed – Stella the neat one to Dolly’s free spirit – their love for music blossomed together. “We would write songs together,” Stella shared, “She always wrote the good lines and would laugh at my bad ones. But it was not that bad.”
Despite occasional sibling squabbles, their closeness was undeniable. Stella admitted she simply adored being around her older sister. They may have bickered, but they grew up as the best of friends.