Dolly Parton’s sister, Freida, has recently clarified her request for prayers on behalf of the iconic country star, emphasizing that her intention was never to alarm anyone. The 79-year-old singer had to miss a scheduled event at Dollywood due to a kidney stone diagnosis, which she described as causing “a lot of problems.” This health issue led her to postpone an upcoming residency in Las Vegas.
Freida Parton’s heartfelt message
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Freida Parton explained her motivation for reaching out to the fans. She stated,
“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 elaborated that her sister has been feeling unwell and that she simply wished to invoke the power of prayer for her recovery.
Freida expressed gratitude for the support received, saying,
“Thank you all for lifting her up. Your love truly makes a difference.”
A spokesperson for Dolly Parton confirmed that the celebrated artist would be addressing the public’s concerns through a social media message scheduled for release on Wednesday.
Upcoming concerts and health updates
Parton announced the postponement of her December concerts, which were set to take place at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, now rescheduled for September of next year. She cited the need for “a few procedures” to address her ongoing health challenges. Earlier this year, the beloved singer faced a significant personal loss with the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, after nearly six decades of marriage. In his memory, she dedicated a poignant new song, If You Hadn’t Been There.
Dolly Parton is renowned for a series of chart-topping hits, including classics like Coat of Many Colors, I Will Always Love You, 9 To 5, and Jolene. Her upcoming Las Vegas performances represent her first return to the Strip since the 1990s, when she shared the stage with her longtime duet partner, Kenny Rogers.