Photo Credit: Getty Images
Dolly Parton's sister, Freida Parton, has asked fans to keep the country music icon in their prayers amid ongoing health concerns. In a heartfelt post shared on Facebook Tuesday, Freida wrote, "Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. 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!"
The 79-year-old singer recently postponed her upcoming Las Vegas residency due to "health challenges." Originally scheduled to perform six shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace from December 4 to 13, Parton said her doctors advised her to undergo "a few procedures." She added light-heartedly, "As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it's not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!"
Parton explained that her health issues would prevent her from adequately rehearsing for the shows. "Given this, 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. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you ... I just need a little time to get show ready, as they say. And don't worry about me quittin' the business because God hasn't said anything about stopping yet," she told fans. The new run of concerts is now scheduled for September 2026.
This year has been particularly challenging for Parton, who also faced the loss of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, who passed away in March at the age of 82.
Parton, renowned for hits including Coat of Many Colors, I Will Always Love You, 9 to 5, and Jolene, is also set to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy's Governors Awards next month in Los Angeles, recognizing her decades of charitable work. Fans worldwide continue to send messages of support for the beloved singer as she focuses on her recovery.
