The Parton family has always reached for faith in its hardest moments. Hours after Dolly Parton’s death, the team representing her younger sister, Freida Parton, asked fans to do the same. The message was posted on Freida’s Facebook page Tuesday, August 25, after the country legend died at 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
Freida Parton’s Team Asks Fans to Pray for the Family
“It is with profound sadness that we share with Freida’s friends, fans, and followers that her beloved sister, Dolly Parton, has passed away today, August 25, 2026,” the statement began.
“We kindly ask that you please keep Freida, the Parton family, and all who loved Dolly in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time of sorrow and sadness.”
The team also requested privacy as Freida and her relatives began grieving. “Out of respect for Freida, and her family, no further details will be shared at this time.”
Parton died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville with loved ones beside her. Her representatives confirmed to People that she had faced a “brief battle with cancer.” The specific type has not been disclosed.
Freida Previously Asked for Prayers During Dolly’s Illness
The request carries added meaning because Freida turned to fans for prayer when concerns about Parton’s health intensified in October 2025.
“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me,” Freida wrote at the time.
Freida later clarified that she had not intended to frighten fans. She described herself simply as a younger sister seeking support for her older sister.
Who Is Dolly Parton’s Sister Freida Parton?
Freida, 69, was born June 1, 1957, and is the twin sister of the late Floyd Parton. Like several members of the musical family, she performed professionally and occasionally sang backup on Parton’s records.
She also co-wrote “Sing for the Common Man,” which appeared on Parton’s 1980 album, 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs. Freida later became an ordained minister and opened the Parton Family Wedding Chapel & Antiques in Sevierville, Tennessee, according to NBC News.
Her daughter, Jada Star, continued the family’s musical tradition and appeared on the ABC reality competition Claim to Fame in 2023.
How Many Siblings Did Dolly Parton Have?
NBCParton was one of 12 children born to Robert Lee Parton Sr. and Avie Lee Parton. She grew up near Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains alongside six brothers and five sisters, according to People.
Five siblings died before her: Larry, Floyd, Randy, David and Coy. Her surviving siblings are Willadeene, Robert Jr., Stella, Cassie, Freida and Rachel.
The family will hold a small private funeral in accordance with Parton’s wishes. In place of flowers, mourners have been encouraged to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the literacy program inspired by her father that has delivered hundreds of millions of free books to children.
