Dolly Parton’s sister asks fans to pray for singer amid health issues
Dolly Parton‘s sister, Freida Parton, has encouraged fans to join her in prayer to send well wishes to the singer after health issues have led to the postponement of her Las Vegas Residency.
Taking to Facebook, Freida shared that she had been tirelessly praying for her older sister. “Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately,” she wrote, referring to the 79-year-old singer.
She continued, “I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead [sic] to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me.”
Freida added in the social media message, “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!”
In a further post, Freida calmed fans who were worried about her sister’s health following the worrying initial statement, writing, “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’s been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer. It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister. Thank you all for lifting her up. Your love truly makes a difference.”
Dolly has not shared what exactly is ailing her, but, according to ABC, she is continuing to work. However, she has shared that her upcoming Las Vegas residency will be postponed due to health concerns.
In the original statement, the ‘9 to 5’ singer wrote at the time, “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.”
She continued merrily, “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! In all seriousness, given this, I am 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.”
Nonetheless, she assured fans this wasn’t the end of things, writing, “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. I love you and thank you for understanding.”
The cancelled residency, titled Dolly: Live in Las Vegas, was scheduled to coincide with the National Finals Rodeo. The musician was set to play six concerts between December 4th and 13th.
Earlier this year, Parton lost her husband, Carl, who she married in 1966. During an appearance on the Khloe in Wonder Land podcast, Parton then said that she has “stalled” plans to write more music following his death. However, she did note that may change in the future, adding, “I’ll write something else, though, if it comes. I’m just putting that all on hold.”
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.