Dolly Parton’s Sister Addresses Remarks Urging Fans to ‘Pray’ for the Singer
UPDATE — 10/8/25 at 3 a.m. ET: Dolly Parton’s sister Freida has clarified her comments requesting fans to pray for the singer in a new Facebook post late on Tuesday, October 7.
“I want to clarify something. My intention wasn’t to alarm anyone or suggest that the situation was dire when asking for prayers for Dolly,” Freida wrote. “She’s been feeling a bit under the weather, and I simply requested prayers because I have a strong faith in their power. It was just a little sister reaching out for her big sister. Thank you all for your support. Your love truly has an impact.”
Original story below:
Dolly Parton’s sister expressed deep concern for her amid ongoing health issues and the recent postponement of Las Vegas shows, urging fans to keep Dolly in their thoughts and prayers.
“Last night, I spent the entire night praying for my sister, Dolly,” Freida Parton shared on Facebook on Tuesday, October 7. “Many of you know she’s not been at her best recently. I have genuine faith in the power of prayer, and I felt compelled to ask everyone who loves her to join me in prayer.”
Her heartfelt message continued, “She’s resilient, she’s cherished, and with all the prayers being sent, I believe in my heart she will be just fine. Godspeed, my sweet Dolly. We all care for you.”
The post follows Dolly, 79, announcing a postponement of her Las Vegas shows due to “some health challenges.”
“I want the fans and public to hear it straight from me that, unfortunately, I have to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts,” the “Jolene” singer expressed in a written statement shared on Instagram on September 28. “As many of you know, I’ve faced some health issues, and my doctors have advised that I need to undergo a few procedures. As I jokingly told them, it looks like it’s time for my 100,000-mile check-up, even if it’s not the typical visit to my plastic surgeon!”
She added, “In all seriousness, due to this, I won’t be able to rehearse and deliver the show that I want you to enjoy, and that you truly deserve. You invest your money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”
At that time, Dolly assured her fans that despite the health-related reasons for the postponement lasting nearly a year, she remains committed to working on her projects from Nashville.
“I just need a bit of time to get show-ready, as they say,” the Steel Magnolias actress stated in her written statement. “And don’t worry about me leaving the business because God hasn’t told me to stop yet. But, I believe He is asking me to slow down for now to prepare for more exciting adventures with all of you. I love you and appreciate your understanding.”
Dolly also provided rescheduled dates for six of her Las Vegas shows that were originally planned for December. The postponed performances are now set to take place in late September 2026.
Dolly has been coping with life after the passing of her beloved husband, Carl Dean, who died on March 3 at the age of 82.
“Carl and I shared many beautiful years together,” Dolly announced on her social media accounts, confirming her husband’s death. “Words cannot convey the depth of the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
