Dolly Parton’s name came up in the news again this week, though this time it wasn’t about a new song or a big award. The country legend had fans worried after her sister, Freida Parton, posted a note asking for prayers for Dolly Parton’s recovery. The message spread fast, with people online wondering if something serious had happened. However, as Us Weekly reported, Freida later returned to Facebook on Tuesday, October 7, to explain what she really meant.
“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,” she shared.
The clarification settled things down. Fans who had flooded the comments earlier with worry switched to sending good wishes instead. For all the fame and glitter, moments like this reminded people that Dolly is still someone’s sister, loved, cared for, and very human.
Dolly Parton’s sister expresses concern, requests prayers amid health issues:

Freida Parton sounded genuinely worried this week as she talked about her older sister’s health. With Dolly Parton facing some ongoing issues and having to postpone her Las Vegas shows, Freida went on Facebook to ask fans everywhere to keep Dolly Parton in their prayers. “Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly,” she wrote on Tuesday, October 7.
“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,” she added.
She added a few lines that showed both her hope and affection.
“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 silly Dolly. We all love you.”
The post spread quickly, drawing hundreds of replies from fans sending their own prayers and messages of support. It's the overwhelming support from her fans that led to Freida Parton's recent clarification about Dolly's health issues.
Dolly Parton postpones Las Vegas shows due to health concerns:

Dolly Parton was set to return to the stage for her first string of concerts since 2016, but the country music icon had to postpone her Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace, originally scheduled for Dec. 4 through Dec. 13. Variety reported that the six-show run would’ve marked a major comeback following her “Pure & Simple” tour. Dolly Parton herself addressed fans on September 28 via a heartfelt post.
“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts, 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. 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! 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. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you,” she wrote.
She added that she would continue working on her projects from Nashville, despite the delay. A few days later, news emerged that Parton would also miss this year’s Governors Awards in November, where she was set to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. She had initially planned to appear virtually, but now won’t attend, for reasons not disclosed by her team. Parton reassured fans that the postponement did not signal retirement.
“Don’t worry about me 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 I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you. I love you and thank you for understanding,” she wrote.
Fans responded with an outpouring of love, sending messages of care and support. Her fans also wished her a speedy recovery. Even at 78, Parton’s dedication to her fans and her craft remains clear; she’s just pausing to make sure the next show is worth the wait. While she takes this necessary pause, Dolly Parton's commitment to her fans and future performances remains unwavering.
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