Dolly Parton’s sister has broken her silence after sending fans into a panic with a heartfelt plea for prayers, offering a reassuring update on the country legend’s mysterious illness.
The 79-year-old “Jolene” icon sparked widespread concern when her younger sister, Freida, took to Facebook to ask fans to “pray” for Dolly — just one week after the superstar postponed six shows from her upcoming Dolly: Live in Las Vegas residency and canceled an award show appearance.
“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly,” Freida wrote earlier in the day. “Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been led 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!”
Her emotional message immediately fueled speculation about Dolly’s health challenges, which the singer has not publicly detailed. But hours later, Freida returned to Facebook to clarify her comments and calm worried fans.
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“I want to clear something up,” she began. “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.”
She continued, “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.”
Freida emphasized that it wasn’t her intention to “make it sound so serious,” noting that Dolly has “been a little under the weather.”
Fans flooded the comments with relief and support. One person wrote, “Thank you for this post because I believe all of us were thinking the same thing in that we are not prepared for a loss like that right now! Prayers for Dolly and all of you.” Another added, “I’m so glad to know it’s nothing serious. Still praying for a speedy recovery for your sis, our beloved Dolly.”
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“The whole world loves Dolly so we all held our breath when we heard she wasn’t feeling too hot,” a third fan commented, while another admitted, “I’m not gonna lie I had a mild heart attack!! lol but I’m definitely sending prayers!!!”
Dolly herself has not offered further details, but on September 28 she announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency — originally scheduled for December 4–13 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace — until September 2026 due to unspecified “health challenges.” The update also comes just months after the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March at age 82.
