She Meant to Defend Her—But Dolly Parton’s Sister May Have Just Made Things Even Harder for the Country Icon. ML
Dolly Parton fans went into full panic mode earlier this month when her younger sister Freida shared a heartfelt — but slightly alarming — message online asking for prayers for the country legend.
“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister Dolly,” Freida wrote on Facebook. “Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I believe in the power of prayer, and I ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me.”
Within hours, fans flooded social media, fearing the worst for the 79-year-old “9 to 5” singer. Posts, hashtags, and comments poured in, all expressing concern for the beloved star.
But Dolly being Dolly, she responded with her signature humor and warmth. From backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, where she was filming a commercial, she uploaded a cheerful video titled “I ain’t dead yet!”
In the clip, the country icon laughed off the rumors. “Lately everybody thinks that I’m sicker than I am,” she said. “Do I look sick to you? I appreciate your prayers — I can always use them — but I want you to know that I’m okay.”
Still, the viral post reportedly stirred some tension within the tight-knit Parton family. “Freida’s timing couldn’t have been worse,” one insider shared. “Dolly’s already managing her health and upcoming medical procedures — this was the last kind of attention she needed.”
Freida later apologized, explaining she “didn’t mean to scare anyone” and that Dolly had just been “a little under the weather.”
Parton recently postponed her Las Vegas residency until 2026 while she undergoes several medical procedures, but she’s made it clear she’s staying strong, grateful, and surrounded by love.
And as always, Dolly had the last word — delivered with a smile and a wink: “I ain’t dead yet, y’all. Just recharging.”
