Dolly Parton’s Sister Stella Shares Message For Those Worried About The Singer’s Health
Amid growing concerns about her big sister Dolly's health, Stella Parton shared a message on social media to ease fans' worries. (Photo Credit: Gregg DeGuire / WireImage / Getty Images)
What Is Wrong With Dolly Parton’s Health?
Dolly Parton‘s younger sister, Stella, is chiming in to address some reports about the superstar singer’s health.
On September 17, Dolly had to cancel a planned appearance at Dollywood after developing a kidney stone that caused an infection. Then, a few weeks later, she announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency.
“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts. 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. As I joked with them, it must be time for my hundred thousand mile checkup, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!“
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Naturally, fans expressed concern for 79-year-old Dolly after hearing the news about her health. However, those concerns escalated to new heights after her sister, Freida, went public with a prayer request.
Post From Dolly’s Sister Freida Sparks Concern
Freida is one of Dolly’s 11 siblings. They’re quite close, and Freida has performed at Dollywood and sang on Dolly’s records, including her 2024 project Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables.
So when Freida shared a post on Facebook on October 7 saying she’d been “up all night praying” for Dolly, fans grew worried.
“Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately,” Fredia said about Dolly. “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. 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!“
After news about Freida’s post spread around the world, she followed up with another post a few hours later. She apologized for causing concern and clarified the intention behind her original post.
“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.”
Stella Parton Helps Clarify Reports About Dolly’s Health, Fires Back At Those Leaving “Hurtful” Comments For Not Saying Something Sooner
Stella Parton, another one of Dolly’s sisters, also chimed in to ease fans’ worries about Dolly’s health. In a post she shared on Facebook on October 8, Stella wrote:
“My big sister Dolly posted last week, giving her fans an update concerning her health and that she has been seeking treatment for kidney stones. My sister Freida is concerned and ask[ed] for prayers on Dolly’s behalf.”
Stella added, “I personally, respect the privacy of ALL my family members and will not disrespect them by discussing their personal business with anyone. If you need further information, please go to their pages.”
As she continued, Stella said she received some nasty messages over the past day, as people demanded an update on Dolly’s health. She defended herself from those “hurtful” remarks, saying:
“That being said, those of you who feel the need to attack or insult me because I don’t serve as your information booth you aren’t really fans. If you were you would not make such an effort to say some of the hurtful things you’ve posted on my different social media platforms in the past 24 hours!“
Stella ended her post by writing, “I personally, appreciate those of you with sincere concerns on Dolly’s behalf and so do my family members.”
See Stella’s post below.
Dolly Shares Personal Update To Assure Everyone She’s Alright
In addition to Stella, a member of Dolly Parton’s team also provided an update on the singer’s health. Her manager, Olly Rowland, told The Las Vegas Review-Journal:
“It’s just the kidney stones, and the procedure she needs to resolve those. It looks like her sister posted, and it got quite a bit blown out of proportion, weirdly.“
Dolly also helped put any worries to rest by sharing a personal update on October 8. She posted a video of herself getting ready to film some commercials for the Grand Ole Opry.
Dolly said the date in the video, proving it was filmed in real time. She also let fans know she’s doing well, all things considered.
“I wanted to say, I know lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am,” she said. “Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here!“
When Dolly’s husband, Carl Dean, was sick before he passed away earlier this year, she didn’t take the time to focus on her own health, so she’s taking that time now. “But I wanted you to know that I’m not dying,” she joked, adding, “…I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was okay.“
Watch Dolly’s update below. We’re relieved to hear she’s doing well, but of course we’ll still be keeping her in our prayers!
