Dolly Parton’s Sister Freida Shares Her Thoughts on Asking Fans for Prayers: ‘Mama Always Encouraged Us to Pray’

Freida Parton and Dolly Parton in January 1981 in California.
Credit:

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Need to Know

• Dolly Parton’s sister Freida assures fans that the country star is not upset with her over recent health concerns.
• Freida had urged fans to pray for Dolly during her health setbacks.
• “I just said what I said because Mama told us to pray,” Freida explained to News Channel 11.

Dolly Parton’s sister, Freida, recently addressed concerns surrounding Dolly’s health, clarifying that the beloved country singer is not angry with her for prompting fan worry.

In October, Freida, 68, called for fans to pray for 79-year-old Dolly amid some undisclosed health struggles. The call sparked significant concern, prompting Dolly to reassure fans in a lighthearted video the following day, stating, “I ain’t dead yet.”

In a recent interview with News Channel 11, Freida emphasized that Dolly was not upset by the false alarm and shared that her plea for prayers stemmed from their upbringing. “I just said what I said because Mama told us to pray,” Freida explained. “And so I prayed, and I wanted people to pray for her because she wasn’t feeling good.”

Freida expressed that Dolly likely understood her sister’s unfamiliarity with how quickly information spreads online. “She probably thought, ‘Well, she didn’t know about the internet then. She had no idea,’” Freida said, adding that while her family was not upset with her, some fans were.

Dolly Parton in Nashville on May 19, 2025.

Jason Kempin/Getty

Following Dolly’s announcement in September about postponing her Las Vegas residency due to health issues, Freida wrote on Facebook, “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.”

Later that day, Freida clarified her initial comments, stating she “didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious,” explaining that her request was simply a sisterly gesture. “It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister,” she said.

In a video shared on Instagram, Dolly reassured her fans that she was doing alright, saying, “Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here!” She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of concern, assuring fans that she appreciates their prayers, adding, “I wanted you to know that I’m not dying.” Dolly also noted that some of her health issues were related to the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025, stating that she had neglected her own well-being during that time.

A source later reported that the “9 to 5” singer is “getting better every day.” As she approaches her 80th birthday on January 19, Dolly stated, “Look at all I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started.” She emphasized that age is just a number and that she refuses to dwell on it, saying, “I ain’t got time to get old!”