Health concerns grow for Dolly Parton as sister asks fans to pray for the country icon

Fans are rallying behind Dolly Parton after her sister Freida shared an emotional message asking for prayers, following reports of the country legend’s recent health struggles.

Concern is spreading among fans after Dolly Parton’s sister, Freida, took to Facebook to ask for prayers for the 79-year-old singer, who has reportedly been dealing with health issues in recent weeks.

“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly,” Freida said. “Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately.”

While Freida didn’t provide details about Dolly’s condition, the message came shortly after the “Jolene” star postponed her Las Vegas residency due to medical concerns.

Dolly postpones Las Vegas shows

In an Instagram statement last week, Parton announced she would be postponing her upcoming Las Vegas concerts on doctors’ orders.

“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts,” she wrote. “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.”

Still, the country legend remained optimistic. “Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” she added.

Recent health struggles

Parton has been open about recent health setbacks. In September, she shared that a kidney stone had led to an infection, forcing her to miss a Dollywood event in Tennessee.

“Turned out, it’d given me an infection, and the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better,’” she said, according to People.

Despite these challenges, the Tennessee-born icon has continued working — from developing a musical based on her life to writing a children’s book and launching a clothing collaboration.

As of this week, her representatives have not issued an update on her condition.

2025 has been an emotionally difficult year for Parton. Her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away in March at age 82. The couple, who married in 1966, had one of country music’s most private yet enduring relationships.

“I am a person of faith, and I truly believe that I’m going to see him again someday,” Dolly told the Associated Press earlier this year. “I see him every day in my memories and in my heart.”

Freida expressed confidence that her sister’s faith and the support of fans will help her through. “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,” she wrote.

Fans stand by their “sissy Dolly”

Messages of love and encouragement continue to pour in from around the world, with fans echoing Freida’s call for prayers.

For many, Dolly isn’t just a performer — she’s family. And now, her family is asking for the same kindness and faith she’s shared for decades to be returned to her.