Dolly Parton’s Sister Freida Clarifies Emotional Prayer Request: ‘I Didn’t Mean To Scare Anyone’

Dolly Parton’s sister, Freida Parton, is setting the record straight after her emotional request for prayers sparked concern among fans about Dolly’s health.

Freida took to Facebook late Tuesday night to clarify her earlier comments, assuring fans that Dolly is okay and simply needed a little extra support.

“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 explained. “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. Thank you all for lifting her up. Your love truly makes a difference.”

Earlier in the day, Freida had shared that she spent the night praying for Dolly and urged others around the world to do the same.

“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately,” she wrote. “I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me. 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!”

Freida’s messages were posted to her verified Facebook account, which identifies her as “Freida Parton, twin sister of Floyd Parton and sister to Dolly Parton, a singer-songwriter rooted in Smoky Mountain traditions.”

Dolly Parton comes from a large family of 12 children, and Freida is one of her younger siblings. She was the twin sister of Floyd Parton, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 61. Like her famous sister, Freida is musically gifted. Over the years, she’s lent her voice to several of Dolly’s albums and carried on the family’s deep musical roots.

Freida’s message had fans worried as it came just days after Dolly had revealed plans to postpone her Las Vegas run of concerts, which was originally set for early December. Dolly, 79, shared that this move was made due to recent “health challenges.” 

On September 28, Dolly shared that she’s set to undergo “a few procedures,” which will prevent her from having enough time to prepare for her Las Vegas shows. As a result, the concerts have been postponed until September 2026.

Her message to fans read: 

“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts. As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures. As I joked with them, it must be time for my hundred thousand mile checkup, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon! In all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you. Well I’ll still be able to work on all of my projects from here in Nashville, I just need a little time to get show ready as they say. And don’t worry about me quitting the music business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. But, I believe he is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you. I love you and thank you for understanding.” 

Last month, Dolly Parton was forced to miss an appearance at Dollywood after revealing she was dealing with a painful kidney stone that led to an infection. 

“Turned out it’d given me an infection,” she told fans in a video message. “And the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better.’” 

It’s unclear if her current health concerns are related.