Dolly’s Sister Freida Parton Solicits Prayer for Her Sister’s ‘Health Challenges’

Photo Credit: Freida Parton

Freida Parton, the younger sister of country music icon Dolly Parton, took to Facebook this week to ask fans to pray for her sister during her unspecified health challenges.Freida revealed that Dolly has been struggling with unspecified health issues, prompting concern among fans. “Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly,” she begins her post.

“Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. 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, who has occasionally performed alongside Dolly and also pursued her own musical path as a singer-songwriter, rarely posts about personal family matters on social media. The heartfelt request for her sister drew thousands of supportive comments and shares from fans around the world wishing the 79-year-old country icon good health.

Dolly Parton has not released an official reason for her health concerns, but she did release a statement after postponing her Las Vegas residency. That show will be the first time Dolly has performed in Sin City in more than 30 years and will celebrate Dolly’s decades-long career in her own Eras-style tribute with live orchestration and guest collaborators. Ticket holders will be able to redeem their tickets for the sold-out event once it is rescheduled.Parton was also notably absent from the grand opening of a new roller coaster attraction at her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The event, which drew fans and local officials, marked one of the first times the singer has missed a major unveiling at the namesake park. Her absence was not unnoticed by fans, who questioned if they would get to see an appearance from Dolly.

Freida’s public message follows what has already been a difficult year for the Parton family. In April, Dolly’s husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean, passed away at age 83. The two married in 1966 and kept their relationship largely private, with Dolly often describing him as her grounding force outside fame. His passing marked the end of one of country music’s most enduring partnerships.