A wave of concern is sweeping through the country world — as Dolly Parton’s sister is begging fans to lift the 79-year-old icon up in prayer.
A heartfelt message
Dolly Parton’s family is asking fans to lift the country legend up in prayer as she faces ongoing health struggles that have forced her to cancel several appearances.
Freida Parton, Dolly’s sister, took to Facebook on Tuesday with a heartfelt message that revealed just how worried she’s been.
“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly,” Freida wrote. “Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately.”
While Freida didn’t go into details about Dolly’s condition, her post comes just a week after the beloved 79-year-old singer postponed her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency due to medical issues.
“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts,” Dolly explained in an Instagram post. “As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures.”
Inside her health challenges
But even in a moment of vulnerability, Dolly’s trademark optimism and faith shone through. She reassured fans, “Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.”
Just last month, Dolly opened up about having a kidney stone that led to an infection, forcing her to miss a Dollywood event in Tennessee.
“Turned out, it’d given me an infection, and the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better,’” she said, according to People magazine. “So, he suggested I not go to Dollywood today, but I’m there with you in spirit.”
Even with health challenges, the Tennessee icon has remained remarkably active — announcing a new musical based on her life story, a children’s book, and a collaboration with Good American jeans.
As of Tuesday night, her representatives had not released an official update.
Lost her husband
Freida, meanwhile, continues to lean on faith, asking others to do the same. “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,” she wrote. “Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!”
2025 has been an incredibly difficult year for Dolly Parton. Her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away on March 3, 2025, at age 82. The loss came less than a decade after the couple renewed their vows, celebrating a lifelong love that had always thrived away from the public eye.
Married in 1966 when Dolly was just 20, the two built a quiet, steady bond that endured through fame, fortune, and decades of change. Their relationship remained one of country music’s most private — and most admired — love stories.
Even through her grief, Dolly says her faith gives her strength.
“I am a person of faith, and I truly believe that I’m going to see him again someday. I see him every day in my memories and in my heart,” she shared in an interview with the Associated Press in May 2025.
For fans around the world, Dolly isn’t just a superstar — she’s family. And now, her real family is asking everyone who’s ever smiled because of her music to send those prayers right back. Stay strong, Dolly!
