Dolly Parton has always had a special bond with her fans, and any news about her health naturally draws huge attention. This week, it was her sister Freida Parton’s message that set social media buzzing. Freida, who had asked for prayers for Dolly, later clarified that she never meant to alarm anyone or make the situation sound more serious than it is.
Freida took to Facebook to share a heartfelt note: she explained that Dolly Parton had been feeling “a little under the weather,” and her prayer request came from a place of love and faith. “It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister,” she wrote. “Your love truly makes a difference.”
The concern began after Dolly missed an event at Dollywood earlier in September. Instead of attending in person, the 79-year-old icon appeared virtually, revealing she was dealing with an infection caused by a kidney stone and had been advised not to travel. Ever the entertainer, Dolly reassured everyone, saying she wasn’t “quittin’ the business” and that she simply needed to slow down to prepare for “more big adventures.”
Freida Parton’s initial message described how she had spent the night praying for her sister, calling on Dolly’s fans around the world to join her in lifting the singer in prayer. The overwhelming response showed just how deeply loved the country music legend is.
Fans also noticed that Dolly Parton’s last Instagram post, shared on October 2, was light-hearted. In the photo, she’s seen shoveling hay with the caption, “Hay there, it’s October!” — a perfect example of her ever-cheerful spirit.
This isn’t the first time her health has made headlines recently. On September 28, she shared that her Las Vegas shows originally planned for December 2025 would be pushed to September 2026 as she undergoes some medical procedures. In her trademark witty style, she joked about needing a “100,000-mile check-up” — assuring fans it wasn’t the usual trip to her plastic surgeon.
While Dolly Parton is taking time to rest, her sister’s clarification has eased fans’ worries. One thing is clear: with millions of prayers and love coming her way, the beloved star isn’t slowing down for long.