Behind the Family Drama: Why Dolly Parton’s Sister’s Comments Have Fans More Worried Than Ever. ML
Dolly Parton Reassures Fans She’s “Okay” After Sister Freida Sparks Health Scare Online
Country music icon Dolly Parton is setting the record straight after her sister, Freida Parton, unintentionally alarmed fans with a social media post asking the world to pray for the “Jolene” singer.
Earlier this month, Freida, 68, took to Facebook to share that she had been “up all night praying” for her famous sister, writing, “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.”
The message quickly spread across social media, leaving many fans worried that the beloved 79-year-old star was seriously ill.
Dolly, ever the good-humored performer, quickly took control of the narrative. She posted a short video to Instagram titled “I ain’t dead yet!”, which she filmed while on set at the Grand Ole Opry.
“Do I look sick to you?” Dolly joked in the clip. “I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease, those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate. I appreciate your prayers, ’cause I’m a person of faith… But I want you to know that I’m okay.”
Despite Dolly’s reassurance, insiders say Freida’s well-intentioned post caused a bit of family tension. “Her timing could not have been worse,” a source told National Examiner. “The stakes are high with Dolly’s health, and this is the last thing she needs right now.”
Freida later walked back her comments, admitting she “didn’t mean to scare anyone” and clarifying that Dolly was only “a little under the weather.”
Earlier this month, Dolly announced she would be postponing her Las Vegas residency shows to 2026 while she undergoes several medical procedures. Though fans remain concerned, her message was clear: she’s resting, recovering, and still very much her lively self.
