Dolly Parton’s Sister Says ‘I Was Up All Night Praying’ Amid Country Icon’s Health Issues and Asks Fans to ‘Pray With Me’

Concerns are mounting for country music legend Dolly Parton following a public plea for prayers from her sister, Freida Parton. The alarm was first sounded when the singer was forced to postpone her Las Vegas residency in late September for unspecified medical reasons, a move that has left her dedicated fanbase anxious. Her representatives have not provided any further details about her health.

Freida Parton turned to social media to share that she had spent the night in prayer for her sister. She noted that many are aware Dolly "hasn’t been feeling her best lately" and urged the global community of supporters to act as "prayer warriors," emphasizing her deep belief in the power of collective faith. Her message concluded optimistically, with a heart emoji, expressing confidence in Dolly's resilience and a full recovery bolstered by an outpouring of love and prayer. This public call for spiritual support is a testament to the unique bond the Parton sisters share, having grown up together in rural Tennessee in a family of twelve children.

The postponed engagement was a significant six-show residency at the iconic Caesars Palace, scheduled for December 4th to 13th. This series was especially anticipated as it would have marked Parton's first major live performance run since concluding her "Pure & Simple" tour back in 2016. On September 28th, Dolly herself addressed the delay, explaining that doctors had mandated she undergo a series of medical procedures. Characteristically, she lightened the news with humor, referring to it as a "100,000-mile check-up" and explicitly stating it was not related to her plastic surgeon.

Shifting to a more serious tone, she underscored her dedication to delivering a high-quality show, stating she could not proceed without sufficient time to rehearse and perfect the spectacular production her fans deserve. She confirmed she would continue her other creative projects from her home in Nashville, Tennessee—the historic heart of country music. This health-related hiatus also led to her withdrawal from the upcoming Governors Awards in November, where the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was scheduled to honor her with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. This esteemed Oscar statuette, named for the former Academy president and famed actor-philanthropist, recognizes exceptional philanthropic contributions. As one entertainment analyst noted, "This award is a capstone to her decades of charitable work, including her renowned Imagination Library, which has gifted over 200 million books to children."

Despite these necessary postponements, Parton was clear that retirement is not on the table. She expressed a feeling of being guided to "slow down right now" to get ready for future "big adventures" with her audience, firmly stating she has no intention of leaving the business. This scenario illustrates a frequent challenge for veteran performers, who must balance the physical toll of a lengthy career with the immense expectations of a worldwide following. Prioritizing health becomes a crucial, albeit difficult, part of preserving a legacy that has captivated audiences for more than half a century.