Photo Credit: Getty Images
Dolly Parton’s sister, Freida Parton, has clarified that she “didn’t mean to scare anyone” after her recent call for prayers for the beloved country music icon sparked widespread concern among fans.
The 79-year-old singer and songwriter, known for timeless classics such as Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You, was recently forced to cancel her appearance at a Dollywood event following a diagnosis of a kidney stone. In her statement, Parton shared that the ailment had been causing her “a lot of problems” and would require medical attention.
Soon after, Freida Parton took to social media to ask fans to keep her sister in their prayers, saying Dolly “hasn’t been feeling her best.” The heartfelt message quickly gained traction online, with many fans fearing that the country legend’s condition was more serious than reported.
However, in a new Facebook post, Freida sought to calm fears, writing, “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’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.”
Freida went on to thank fans for their outpouring of love and support, saying, “Your love truly makes a difference.” She ended her note on a hopeful tone, expressing confidence in her sister’s resilience: “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!”
A spokesperson for Dolly Parton also confirmed to CBS News, the BBC’s U.S. partner, that the singer will release a message on social media addressing her health and reassuring her fans.
Parton had been scheduled to perform six shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas this December. However, she postponed the residency until September next year, explaining that she needs “a few procedures” to manage ongoing “health challenges.”
Kidney stones, according to the NHS, affect more than one in ten people and can cause severe pain, infections, and other complications if left untreated.
This health scare comes during an emotional period for the country star, who earlier this year lost her husband, Carl Dean, after nearly 60 years of marriage. She later released a touching tribute song titled If You Hadn’t Been There, dedicated to his memory.
Despite her recent setbacks, fans and family alike remain optimistic about Parton’s recovery. Her upcoming return to Las Vegas would mark her first performance on the Strip since the 1990s, when she shared the stage with her longtime friend and duet partner, Kenny Rogers, performing their hit Islands in the Stream.
As Freida Parton emphasized, “Dolly’s faith and the love from her fans will see her through.” And judging by the overwhelming support online, those prayers are being answered.
