Dolly Parton’s sister clarifies comments after asking fans to ‘pray’ for country legend
Parton recently pulled out of a Dollywood appearance after being diagnosed with a kidney stone that she said was causing "a lot of problems"
By Callum Wells
Dolly Parton‘s sister Freida has clarified her comments about the country legend’s health after asking fans to “pray” for her.
Parton, 79, recently pulled out of a Dollywood appearance after being diagnosed with a kidney stone that she said was causing “a lot of problems”. She has also postponed a Las Vegas residency, prompting an outpouring of messages from worried supporters.
Freida initially appealed for support on social media, saying her sister “hasn’t been feeling her best” and asking people to pray. But in a follow-up Facebook post she sought to calm fears, writing: “I want to clear something up. I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly. She’s been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer. It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister.”
“With all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine” – Dolly Parton’s sister Freida
She added: “Thank you all for lifting her up. Your love truly makes a difference.”
A spokesperson for Parton also released a statement revealing the star will share a social media message on Wednesday that “will address everyone’s concerns”. Parton has delayed six December dates at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace until September next year, explaining she needs “a few procedures” to cope with ongoing “health challenges”.
Freida also revealed she had been “up all night praying for my sister”, and reiterated that Parton “hasn’t been feeling her best lately”. She concluded her post on an upbeat note: “She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!”
Earlier this year, Parton lost her husband Carl Dean after almost 60 years of marriage, later dedicating a new song, If You Hadn’t Been There, to his memory. Parton’s postponed Las Vegas run would have been her first return to the Strip since the 1990s, when she appeared with Kenny Rogers.
She had been scheduled to perform six live shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace between 4 and 13 December, but has moved the dates to September 2026.