Dolly Parton’s younger sister Stella Parton has spoken out amid the widespread discussion about the singer’s health.
“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,” she wrote via Facebook on Wednesday, October 8. “My sister Freida is concerned and ask[ed] for prayers on Dolly’s behalf.”
Stella, 76, is referring to a post that Freida, 68, made after Dolly, 79, cancelled her upcoming slate of Las Vegas concerts on September 28, citing “some health challenges.”
“I personally respect the privacy of ALL my family members and will not disrespect them by discussing their personal business with anyone,” Stella continued. “If you need further information please go to their pages.”
Dolly Parton Skips Dollywood Event After Kidney Stone Infection
She also addressed fans who were looking to Dolly’s siblings for constant health updates.
“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,” she wrote. “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’s post comes one day after Freida alarmed some fans with a vague update about Dolly’s health and a call for prayers. Stella and Freida are two of Dolly’s 11 siblings.
“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly,” Freida wrote via Facebook. “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.”
She continued, “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 silly Dolly. We all love you.”
Dolly Parton Is Fine, Dealing With Kidney Stones, Rep Says
Freida later posted a follow-up when fans began to express their worry for Dolly.
“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 wrote. “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. Thank you all for lifting her up. Your love truly makes a difference.”
Dolly announced she would postpone her upcoming shows after her doctors insisted she undergo “a few procedures.”
“ As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon,” she wrote at the time. “In all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”
Her postponed shows, originally slated for December, have now been bumped to September 2026.
