Dolly Parton’s fans are flooding social media with love and prayers after her younger sister, Freida Parton, asked the public to keep the country music icon in their thoughts amid recent health concerns.
Freida shared an emotional message on social media, writing, “Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. 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’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 sissy Dolly. We all love you!”
Worry about the beloved singer’s health began in late September after Parton announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace, originally scheduled for December. The concerts would have been her first major live performances since her Pure & Simple tour in 2016.
In her own statement, the 78-year-old legend explained, “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.”
Parton added with her trademark humor, “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!”
She emphasized that she did not want to let fans down or deliver a show that wasn’t up to her standards. “I’m 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.”
While Parton said she would continue working on her projects from Nashville, she also canceled her virtual appearance at the Governors Awards in November, where she was scheduled to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Her representatives have not provided additional updates.
Despite her health issues, the “Jolene” singer assured fans she has no plans to step away from music. “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.”
For now, her family and millions of fans worldwide are keeping her in their prayers, holding onto hope that the Queen of Country will soon return to the stage.
