Dolly Parton's Sister Speaks up amid Concerns About the Icon's Health

Worry is mounting among fans after Dolly Parton's sister made a heartfelt plea for prayers, raising fresh concerns about the beloved singer's well-being.

Freida Parton, Dolly Parton's sister, has opened up about the music legend's recent health struggles, admitting she's worried about her sister, who she says hasn't been feeling her best.

Freida's emotional post on social media quickly drew an outpouring of love and support from fans, many of whom expressed their deep concern for the 79-year-old country star.

"No! The world can not lose Dolly!" one fan wrote. "I will not be ok. 😭 Dolly, we need you to live forever. ❤️ Sending all the healing thoughts and hugs your way!" another echoed. "I pray you feel better. Not ready to lose another icon!" a third added.

Fans were united in their feelings — they couldn't imagine a world without Dolly Parton. Their comments reflected deep admiration, with many expressing just how much she has meant to them over the years.

As messages of support poured in, some fans began to speculate on what might be behind the beloved singer's health decline.

"She's grieving the loss of her husband 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾," one person suggested. "Her love is gone. I understand 😢❤️," another wrote. "I knew as soon as Carl passed. It's broken heart syndrome," a third commented.

Others turned to faith, referencing Freida's own words and her decision to lean into prayer during this difficult time.

"Thank you for letting us know she is really in need of prayer, and how to pray for her, and all of you her family!🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️," one supporter posted on Freida's account. "Dolly is one of a kind. Her faith and faithfulness will see her through this time. I'll be praying for her and believing she is 100% healed by the stripes of Jesus," another wrote.

"If anything happens to Dolly, they might as well shut down the entire state for a week. We need her!!! Prayers and love ❤️," feared another fan. More fans filled Freida's comment section with prayers, hoping their words would bring comfort and strength to the family.

In her emotional post, Freida revealed she had stayed up all night praying for Dolly. She wrote:

"As the world knows, she has not been feeling her best. 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 also praised her sister's strength and spirit, expressing hope for her recovery. "...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! ❤️"

While Dolly has yet to respond publicly, the overwhelming wave of love from fans and family speaks volumes. For now, supporters around the world continue to send their prayers and well-wishes, holding onto hope that the country music legend will bounce back soon.

Freida's message follows Dolly Parton's announcement that she would postpone upcoming concerts due to health concerns. The news came just months after the passing of her husband.

On September 28, 2025, Dolly Parton announced on Instagram that she had postponed the original dates of her Las Vegas residency and outlined a new schedule. The country legend also revealed the reason for the change.

Within moments of Parton's lengthy statement, messages of love, prayers, and heartfelt support came pouring in across social media.

One fan wrote, "🦋🦋🙏🙏Prayers Dolly, You have given so much. Now it's time to give back to yourself 🙏. ' I will always love YOU '💖 [sic]," while another added, "Sending you much love and light for strength and healing 🙏❤️✨️."

"💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛 I don't think the world can survive without you... especially right now. Heal Queen, heal x," said a third. "Take care of yourself, Dolly. We need you now more than ever!" another supporter shared. "Love you dolly [sic]!!!!! Praying for you ❤️❤️," someone else commented.

In her statement, Parton said she postponed her upcoming concerts because she had been "dealing with some health challenges," and her doctors told her she must undergo "a few procedures." She explained this would prevent her from properly rehearsing or preparing for the scheduled performances.

Her announcement marked a sharp turn from just a few months earlier, when she revealed plans for a six-show residency. Parton had originally announced the concerts last June, with performances scheduled for December at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

In her latest update, she confirmed that the residency has been rescheduled for September 2026. Tickets remain valid for the new dates, and refunds are available. Additional instructions will be emailed to purchasers.

Although the concerts are postponed, Parton indicated that she will continue working on other projects from her home in Nashville. She also clarified that she has no plans of "quittin' the business."

While she acknowledged the need to slow down temporarily, she expressed optimism about future work and thanked fans for their continued support.

The announcement follows the recent death of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, though she did not mention it in her statement. However, back in March 2025, Parton paid tribute to her late husband by sharing a special song, "If You Hadn't Been There."

She announced the tribute on Instagram, sharing a nostalgic throwback photo of herself and Dean from their younger years. Alongside the image, she shared a touching message: "Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end. They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him."

The post featured Parton's emotional rendition of the song, moving many fans to tears. "Awww Dolly, I cried. Such a great man. My boss was friends with Carl. What a gracious man he was. 🙏💔," one fan shared.

Someone else commented, "Dolly, I am sobbing at the dinner table 🥹. What a beautiful, soul-baring tribute to a man who shared you in all your joy, humor, and light with all of us. You and Carl are so so loved🤍."

The song, "If You Hadn't Been There," carries a sentimental yet uplifting tone. Despite the sorrowful occasion, its melody remains hopeful. "I wouldn't be here, if you hadn't been there, holding my hand, showing you care, you made me dream, more than I dared, and I wouldn't be here, if you hadn't been there," Parton sings.

The renowned singer first shared the news of her husband's passing on March 3 via social media. The couple spent nearly 60 years married, but never had children together.

In a March 6, 2025, Instagram post, Parton thanked family, friends, and fans for their support and shared that she had found peace in her faith, "He is in God's arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you."

Parton's tribute followed the announcement of Dean's funeral arrangements, marking another step in honoring his memory. According to details shared with the Associated Press by her publicist, Dean was to be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended only by his immediate family.

Parton shared a heartfelt message, opening up about the deep grief she experienced after losing her husband of nearly 60 years. "Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy," the country legend shared.

While the family chose not to share specific details about the location or nature of the ceremony, the decision to keep it private reflected Dean's lifelong preference to stay out of the spotlight.