The ‘Fake Garbage’ Dolly Parton’s Sister Is Calling Out

Dolly Parton’s sister is blasting what she called “fake AI garbage” flooding the internet following the country music icon’s death.

Stella Parton, 77, took to social media Friday to condemn fake AI-generated images and videos circulating about her sister while thanking the public for its outpouring of support.

“Sadly, because of the way our lives have been lived in front of the public, we have no choice but to be subjected to incredible pressure and insensitivity from strangers,” she posted on Instagram. “There is a tremendous amount of AI and endless garbage being posted everyday and it’s been challenging to absorb and or ignore.”

“As time passes, those who are 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,” she added.

Stella said Dolly would have been “surprised” and “delighted” by the nationwide outpouring of love for the queen of country music, who died Aug. 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer.

Stella Parton has carved out her own career in country music as a singer and songwriter, scoring several hits during the 1970s, including “I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight,” released in 1975. She is one of Dolly Parton’s 11 siblings, all of whom were born into deep poverty and raised in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains.

“We will be okay in time but each of us will grieve in our own personal way,” Stella wrote. “Every human being experiences pain and loss in life and my family is no different.”

At the same time, Stella said she differs from her sister in that she is unafraid to express her opinions and views on touchy subjects, calling it her “right as a human being.”

The public rebuke comes as fans around the world continue to mourn Parton’s death, gather outside her Nashville home, and resurface decades-old interviews of the larger-than-life entertainer. Since Parton’s passing, some fans have circulated fabricated photos and videos of the country music icon, primarily on TikTok and X. President Donald Trump, who ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Parton’s honor, also shared a viral AI-generated image showing him walking arm-in-arm with Parton.

Born in Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton became a global icon whose music, wit, philanthropy, and unmistakable voice reflected the heart and soul of the Volunteer State. The Tennessee-born singer was hospitalized Friday and died four days later at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, The Daily Wire reported.

Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, confirmed her death in an Instagram video.

“But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus,” Seaver said.

Parton’s death followed a period of growing health concerns. Fans were alarmed in September 2025 when she postponed a scheduled six-night Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace. True to form, Parton eased the disappointment with humor, joking that she needed a “100,000-mile check-up” — and clarifying that it didn’t involve her plastic surgeon.

Four days before her death, she opened up to PEOPLE about her recent health struggles. “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over [her late husband] Carl,” Parton told the outlet.

As the Parton family continues to grieve, Stella asked people to “show more compassion.” 

“Use my sister’s life as an example for tolerance and respect toward others,” she wrote. “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?” she asked.

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