In a heartfelt interview on the Thursday, 10 September episode of CBS Mornings, Stella Parton, sister of the late Dolly Parton, discussed the emotional circumstances surrounding their sister Freida’s public call for prayers when Dolly postponed her Las Vegas residency due to health concerns. This request came shortly before Dolly’s subsequent cancellation of the residency, a decision made due to serious health complications that ultimately contributed to her passing in August 2025.
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Stella shared that Dolly had mixed feelings regarding Freida’s public appeal for support. “I think Dolly got on Freida about that,” Stella revealed, though she confessed she had not directly asked Freida about the incident as it felt too sensitive a topic. “I didn’t want to hurt Freida’s feelings and didn’t want to mention it to Dolly,” she added, suggesting that Dolly may have wanted to keep her health issues private.
Freida had taken to social media shortly after Dolly’s residency postponement to express her concern and rally fans for prayer. In her post, she revealed she had been up all night praying for her sister and urged others to join her. “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,” Freida wrote, expressing her unwavering support for the country superstar.
Despite initial worries over how Dolly might react, Freida later clarified in an interview with News Channel 11 that her sister was not upset with her comments. “I just said what I said because Mama told us to pray,” she explained, reflecting on her upbringing. Freida acknowledged that while some fans may have reacted negatively to her remarks, there were no hard feelings from within the family.
Dolly Parton, who passed away following a brief battle with cancer, had expressed the desire for prayers from her loved ones. Stella recounted, “The last thing Dolly asked me for was prayer,” underscoring the significance of faith in their family dynamic. The news of Dolly’s death was a devastating blow, confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, through a poignant social media video.
In the aftermath of Dolly’s passing, Freida paid tribute to her beloved sister, recounting cherished memories and the impactful role Dolly held in her life. Expressing her grief, Freida wrote about the deep bond they shared, stating, “I know to the entire world, she was a superstar, but to me, she was my Dolly Momma.” This sentiment encapsulated the personal and familial legacy that Dolly left behind.
Freida acknowledged the complexities often inherent in sibling relationships but emphasised that her love for Dolly remained steadfast throughout their disagreements. In her tribute, she requested prayers not just for Dolly, but also for her surviving family members as they faced this huge loss. “There will never be anyone who can replace her in our hearts,” Freida stated, reflecting the enduring impact of Dolly’s life and career on both her family and her fans.
Freida concluded her heartfelt message with a promise to honour her late sister’s legacy. She expressed her intention to continue spreading the love Dolly gave so freely to others, even on difficult days. Freida also hinted at a special project aimed at immortalising Dolly’s memory, sharing her intent to keep a part of that love alive within herself while sharing it with a wider audience.
With the powerful legacy of Dolly Parton now solidified in the memories of fans and family alike, Stella and Freida continue to carry forward the love and compassion that Dolly exemplified throughout her extraordinary life. Their reflections serve as a reminder of not only the joy Dolly brought to millions but also the profound impact she had on those closest to her.