Dolly Parton’s Health Concerns Prompt Sister’s Prayer Appeal

Freida Parton, sister of country music legend Dolly Parton, has urged fans to pray for the 79-year-old singer after she postponed her Las Vegas residency until 2026 due to health issues. “Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly,” Freida wrote in a Facebook post. “Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately.” She emphasized the importance of prayer, stating, “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.” Freida added, “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.”

Freida later clarified her message was not intended to cause alarm. “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 said. “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.” She thanked fans for their support, noting, “Your love truly makes a difference.”

Dolly Parton confirmed last month she had postponed her Las Vegas residency until September 2026. The shows were originally scheduled to begin in December. In a Sept. 28 Instagram post, she wrote, “I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures.” She humorously referred to the situation as “my 100,000-mile check-up,” though she clarified it was not related to plastic surgery. Parton explained the delay was necessary to ensure a full-scale production, stating, “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.” She added she would continue working from her Nashville home while recovering.

Parton reassured fans she had no intention of retiring, writing, “Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.” She mentioned needing to “slow down” to prepare for future adventures. The update followed the death of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in March at age 82 after nearly 60 years of marriage.