As country legend Dolly Parton steps away from the spotlight to prioritize her health, her sister Freida Parton is calling on fans around the world to lift her in prayer.
In a heartfelt Facebook post shared Tuesday, Oct. 7, Freida opened up about her concern for her sister, revealing she had spent the night praying for the 79-year-old superstar. The post comes just over a week after Dolly postponed her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency due to ongoing health challenges.
“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. 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 concluded the post on a hopeful note, writing, “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!” She punctuated the message with a heart emoji.
The message struck a chord with fans, many of whom flooded the comments with well-wishes, memories, and messages of support for the country music icon, who has long been an ally and symbol of love and resilience—especially within the LGBTQ+ community.
Dolly Parton first announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency on Sept. 28, telling fans she needed to undergo medical procedures that would keep her from performing at her best.
“As many of you know, I’ve been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures,” Parton said in her statement. “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!”
But the singer turned serious, expressing her disappointment at needing to step back from the stage.
“In all seriousness, 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,” she wrote. “You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”
Parton, who has built a career on tireless work ethic and endless reinvention, made it clear that this was only a pause—not a farewell.
“Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business, because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” she said. “But I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you.”
The limited engagement was originally set to begin this December at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and would have marked Parton’s first extended run in Las Vegas in over three decades. The new launch date for the residency is September 2026.
This health update comes during what has already been a difficult year for Parton, who in March lost her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, at the age of 82. Though famously private, Parton spoke candidly at the time about her grief and the power of love that had sustained them for so long.
Freida’s call for support is a poignant reminder that behind the rhinestones and stadium tours, Dolly remains a sister, a friend, and a woman navigating life’s most vulnerable moments—just like anyone else.
For the millions who have been touched by Parton’s music, philanthropy, and advocacy, the message is clear: Dolly has given us her heart. Now, it’s time to return the love.
