Dolly Parton’s sister Freida clarifies health update after asking fans to pray for the country star

Dolly Parton’s sister, Freida Parton, has clarified her recent comments about the country legend’s health after fans expressed concern over her earlier social media post.

On Tuesday, October 7, Freida shared an update on Facebook following reports that Dolly had postponed her Las Vegas residency due to illness. “I want to clear something up,” the 68-year-old wrote. “I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly.”

She explained that Dolly had simply been “a little under the weather” and that her original message came from a place of faith. “It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister,” she wrote, thanking fans for their support and saying their love “truly makes a difference.”

Earlier that day, Freida had posted that she was “up all night praying” for Dolly, adding that she believes in the “power of prayer” and had asked fans around the world to join her. She ended that message saying, “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.”

Dolly, 79, announced last week that she was postponing her Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace by nearly a year to prioritise her health. In an Instagram post, the “Jolene” singer told fans, “I’ve been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures.”

She added that she wanted to be fully prepared before returning to the stage. “You see good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you,” she wrote.

Dolly reassured fans that she is not retiring, saying, “God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet—but He is telling me to slow down right now.”