Dolly Parton’s sister clarifies statement after prayer request worries fans

In response to her sister’s prayer request, Dolly and Freida Parton’s sister, Stella Parton, shared a statement of her own on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“To those with genuine concern for my big sister Dolly’s well being, she posted a video last week to share with her fans that she has had kidney stones and is getting treatment. My sister Freida is always concerned when one of her siblings isn’t feeling well so she ask for prayers on Dolly’s behalf. “

She added, “To those of you who make it your job to attack me for not being your personal information center, you need to go check their pages! Most fans are genuinely concerned but some of you are way out of line with disregard for my feelings concerning their wellbeing.”

Dolly Parton’s sister, Freida Parton, took to Facebook on Tuesday, Oct. 7, to share a few words about Dolly.

Alongside a photo the country music legend praying while looking up at the sky, Freida Parton wrote that she 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 lead to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me,” Freida Parton continued.

“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!”

Freida Parton’s post came several days after Dolly Parton took to her verified Instagram page to share a message with her fans on Sunday, Sept. 28.

At the time, Dolly Parton, 79, revealed that due to “some health challenges,” she feels it is God’s way of telling her to slow down.

As a result, Dolly Parton made a decision to postpone several upcoming shows.

“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts,” Dolly Parton began her statement. “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.”

Dolly Parton didn’t go into detail regarding the health challenges she’s been dealing with, but continued by revealing she hasn’t lost her sense of humor while going through a difficult time.

“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,” the singer quipped.

“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,” she continued, “and the show that you deserve to see.”

Dolly Parton noted that because her fans “pay good money to see” her perform, she wants “to be at my best” for them.

“While I’ll still be able to work on all of my projects from here in Nashville, I just need a little time to get show ready, as they say.”

The music legend ensured fans that this break doesn’t mean she’ll be “quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.”

“But, I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so l can be ready for more big adventures with all of you,” she continued her statement. “I love you and thank you for understanding.”

Dolly Parton’s own health battle comes just months after the death of her beloved husband, Carl Dean. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” she said at the time. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”

Now Freida Parton is clarifying her Facebook post as fans became nervous around the unknown.

In a second Facebook post, Freida Parton wrote, “I want to clear something up. I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly. She’s been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer. It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister. Thank you all for lifting her up. Your love truly makes a difference.”

This story was originally published October 8, 2025 at 9:56 AM.