That flutter of worry among fans about the legendary Dolly Parton? Her sister, Freida Parton, stepped in to calm those fears. Freida took to Facebook on the evening of October 7 to clear up her earlier request for prayers for her older sister. She explained she never meant to scare anyone or make things sound too serious.
“I want to make something clear,” Freida wrote. “I didn’t mean to alarm anyone or make it sound so serious by asking for prayers for Dolly.” She clarified that Dolly had simply been feeling “a little unwell.” Freida added, “I just asked for prayers because I strongly believe in the power of prayer.” She saw it as nothing more than a younger sister reaching out for support for her older sister. Freida also thanked everyone for their loving support, noting that their affection truly makes a difference.
Her recent social media plea had sparked a good deal of concern. Just before her clarification, Freida had posted a heartfelt message on October 7, admitting she had been up all night praying for Dolly. She shared that many people knew Dolly “hasn’t been feeling well lately.” Expressing her deep faith in prayer, Freida had invited all who love Dolly to join her as “prayer warriors.” She ended her emotional post with confidence, stating, “She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers going up for her, I know in my heart she’ll be alright. God be with you, my little Dolly. We all love you.”
This public call for prayers followed Dolly, who is 79, postponing her upcoming shows in Las Vegas. She had announced on September 28 via Instagram that she had to reschedule due to “some health issues.” In her own words, the “Jolene” singer shared that doctors advised her to “undergo some procedures.” Dolly lightened the mood by joking, “As I jokingly told them, it must be time for my 160,000-mile check-up, though it’s not the usual visit to my plastic surgeon!”
She explained that because of these health concerns, she wouldn’t be able to rehearse or put on “the show I want you to see, and the show you deserve to see.” Dolly emphasized that fans “pay good money to see me perform,” and she wants to be at her very best for them.
Dolly quickly reassured her fans that she would still be “working on all my projects from here in Nashville.” The “Steel Magnolias” actress stated she simply needs “a little time to get ready for the show, as they say.” She firmly added, “And don’t worry about me leaving the business, because God hasn’t told me anything about stopping.” She believes, however, that He is telling her “to slow down for now” so she can be ready for “more great adventures with all of you.” She concluded her message by sending her love and thanks for everyone’s understanding. The six Las Vegas shows originally set for this December have now been moved to late September 2026.
This period of health challenges comes after a deeply personal loss for Dolly. She has been navigating life without her husband and partner of over 60 years, Carl Dean, who passed away on March 3 at the age of 82. Dolly confirmed his death in a touching social media post at the time. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” she wrote. “No words do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and your outpouring of love.”