UPDATE — 10/8/25 at 3 a.m. ET: Sister of Dolly Parton, Freida, took to Facebook late Tuesday, October 7, to clarify her remarks about the singer’s health and her request for prayers.
“I want to clear the air. My intention was never to alarm anyone with my request for prayers for Dolly,” Freida stated. “She’s been a bit unwell, and I simply invoked the power of prayer. It was just a little sister reaching out for support for her big sister. Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers; your love truly makes a difference.”
Original story below:
Freida Parton expressed significant concern for her sister, Dolly, amid her ongoing health issues and the recent postponement of Las Vegas performances, urging fans to keep Dolly in their thoughts and prayers.
“Last night, I spent hours praying for my sister, Dolly,” Freida shared in a Facebook update on October 7. “As many of you are aware, she hasn’t been feeling well lately. I earnestly believe in the power of prayer and feel compelled to rally everyone who loves her to join me in prayer.”
Freida continued with heartfelt words, “She’s resilient, she’s cherished, and I know with all the prayers being offered for her, she will recover. Godspeed, my silly Dolly. We love you dearly.”
This post follows Dolly, 79, having postponed her Las Vegas concerts due to “some health obstacles.”
“I need my fans to hear this firsthand: unfortunately, I must delay my upcoming concerts in Las Vegas,” Dolly stated in a written message shared on Instagram on September 28. “I’m dealing with some health issues and my doctors insist on a few necessary procedures. I joked with them that it’s time for my 100,000-mile check-up, though not your typical visit to the plastic surgeon!”
Dolly added, “Given these circumstances, I won’t be able to rehearse adequately and prepare the show you all deserve to see. You invest your hard-earned money to watch me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”
At the time, Dolly reassured her supporters that, despite the health-related postponement of the extensive Las Vegas shows, she will continue to engage in her various projects from Nashville.
“I just need a bit of time to be show-ready, as they say,” the Steel Magnolias actress stated in that same announcement. “Rest assured, I’m not stepping away from the industry because God hasn’t called me to stop just yet. However, I do feel that he’s telling me to slow down for the moment so that I can be prepared for future adventures together. I appreciate your understanding and love you all immensely.”
Additionally, Dolly announced new dates for six of her Las Vegas shows originally set for this December, now rescheduled to late September 2026.
The beloved singer has been coping with life after the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, who died on March 3 at the age of 82.
“Carl and I shared countless beautiful years together,” Dolly expressed at the time, confirming his death on her social media accounts. “Words cannot adequately express the love we had for one another for over six decades. Thank you for your prayers and support.”
