‘Dolly loved every one of you,’ Stella Parton tells LGBTQ+ fans at Out100 gala

This story originally appeared on The Advocate. For the millions who loved Dolly Parton, she was a country music legend and a steadfast LGBTQ+ ally. For Stella Parton, she was also the big sister she talked with just about every day. That personal connection took center stage Thursday night at the Out100 gala at Sunset Room & Laya in Los Angeles, where Stella Parton accepted The Advocate’s 2026 Advocate of the Year award on her late sister’s behalf. “The thing that I miss most about talking with her just about every day is her optimism,” Stella Parton said. “And I want you to keep that alive.” Dolly Parton died August 25 at age 80. The Advocate later named her its 2026 Advocate of the Year, recognizing a lifetime of artistry, generosity and support for LGBTQ+ people.

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