Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Freida Parton had earlier called on fans to pray for her sister’s recovery after the 79-year-old country legend postponed several shows due to health concerns.
Freida Parton, sister of country legend Dolly Parton, is clearing up confusion after sparking concern among fans with a heartfelt message about her sister’s health.
“I want to clear something up,” Freida, 68, wrote in a social media post on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 7. “I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly.”
She went on to explain that her earlier comments were simply made out of sisterly care. “Dolly has been a little under the weather, and I just asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer,” Freida clarified. “It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister.”
Freida also took a moment to thank Dolly’s fans for their support, writing that their love “truly makes a difference.”
Earlier that same day, Freida had shared a more emotional post expressing her concern. “Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly,” she wrote. “Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I’ve been led to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me.”
She ended that message with a heart emoji and a loving note: “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!”
Not long after Freida’s clarification, Stella Parton, 76, another of Dolly’s sisters, addressed fans directly after receiving criticism for not commenting sooner on the country icon’s condition.
“I personally respect the privacy of all my family members and will not disrespect them by discussing their personal business with anyone,” Stella wrote on Facebook. “If you need further information, please go to their pages.”
She also called out those who had left negative messages. “Those of you who feel the need to attack or insult me because I don’t serve as your information booth — you aren’t really fans,” Stella said. “If you were, you wouldn’t go out of your way to post such hurtful things on my social media.”
Still, Stella expressed gratitude to those who reached out out of genuine concern. “I truly appreciate those of you with sincere worries for Dolly’s well-being — and so does our family,” she concluded.
Dolly, 79, recently postponed her Las Vegas residency due to ongoing health issues. The Nashville icon announced last week that she would be pushing back the shows by nearly a year to focus on recovery.
“As many of you know, I’ve been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me I must have a few procedures,” Dolly wrote in an Instagram post. “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!”