Dolly Parton’s Sister Asks Fans For Prayers Amid Singer’s Health Battle

Dolly Parton, 79, is facing health issues that led her to postpone a Las Vegas residency scheduled for December 2025. The concern was amplified when her sister, Freida Parton, asked fans on Facebook to pray for the singer’s recovery.

Freida’s direct request for “prayer warriors” sparked headlines, though she later clarified she did not mean to cause alarm. She explained Dolly had simply been “a little under the weather” and that her post reflected a sister’s belief in collective prayer.

Dolly Parton herself announced the postponement in late September. She framed the decision with humour, calling it a “100,000-mile check-up,” but stated she needed time to undergo medical procedures and recover. She assured fans this was a pause, not a retirement.

The “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas” residency is now scheduled for September 2026. This follows another recent health setback where a kidney stone and infection caused her to miss a Dollywood event.

The past year has also been marked by personal loss for Parton, following the death of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, in March. Despite these challenges, she continues her work.

She is still set to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award this November and has a bio-musical, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” aiming for Broadway in 2026. Her team confirms she remains active in her projects.

Ultimately, Parton’s message is clear: she is intentionally slowing down to heal, but fully intends to return to the stage. She emphasizes a commitment to giving her fans the best possible performance when she is healthy.