Dolly Parton’s Sister Asks Fans to Pray as the Star Manages Health Concerns
Updated Oct. 7 — Family statement and rescheduling details
Dolly Parton’s vast fanbase has rallied around the country legend as she navigates recent health setbacks. Her sister, Freida, took to Facebook to ask supporters to join her in prayer.
In a message shared Tuesday, Oct. 7, Freida wrote that she had been “up all night praying for my sister, Dolly.” She explained that Dolly “hasn’t been feeling her best lately” and urged fans and friends to become “prayer warriors” alongside her, adding that Dolly is strong and deeply loved.
“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.”
Freida closed the post with a heartfelt message: “Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!”
The appeal comes shortly after Parton postponed her Las Vegas residency, citing “health challenges.” In a public statement at the time, the 10-time Grammy winner said her doctors have recommended a few procedures and she remains upbeat about returning to performing.
Parton joked that the medical visit felt like a “100,000-mile check-up,” clarifying that it wasn’t the usual trip to her plastic surgeon. She reassured fans that she simply needs time to prepare and expects to come back to the stage stronger.
The postponed Las Vegas dates, originally scheduled for early December, have been moved to September 2026 so she can complete whatever treatment and rehearsals are necessary to make the shows performance-ready.
This year has been especially difficult for the entertainer beyond her health struggles. Parton endured the loss of her husband of 60 years, Carl Dean, who died in March at age 82. Despite that grief, she has continued to speak about healing and gratitude.
Reflecting on loss in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Parton advised focusing on gratitude for the time shared with a loved one and preserving the best parts of their spirit. She said people can “recycle” the energy someone gave them and make that a lasting part of themselves as a way to honor that person’s memory.
