To the world, Dolly Parton was a country music legend. To her younger sister Freida Parton, she was “Dolly Momma.” Freida has broken her silence following the death of her big sister, sharing private memories of the woman who helped raise her and stood beside her through every stage of life.
“Thank you all for bearing with me as I mourn the death of my big sister,” she began in an emotional Facebook statement shared on Saturday, August 29.
Dolly, 80, died on Tuesday, August 25, following what her family described as a “brief battle” with unspecified cancer, according to People.
Dolly Parton’s Sister Reveals the Star Helped Raise Her
Freida, 69, explained that Dolly became far more than an older sister when she stepped in to care for her during her teenage years. “I know to the entire world, she was a superstar, but to me, she was my Dolly Momma,” Freida wrote.
“She was the sister who would climb into bed with me when I was little because we were both afraid of the dark. She was the woman who stepped up and became my Momma, raising me from ages 13 to 18.”
Freida also remembered Dolly encouraging her to wear the star’s signature wigs during her own performances at Dollywood. “Sorry, sister, but I definitely didn’t listen to you on that one,” she joked.
Freida Parton Remembers a Real Sisterly Bond
GettyFreida did not portray their relationship as perfect. Instead, she remembered a genuine bond that endured disagreements, difficult moments, and years of change.
“Like all sisters, we definitely had our share of arguments and disagreements throughout the years, but even through all the highs and lows, and all the laughter and tears, I never stopped loving her,” she wrote.
Months before Dolly’s death, Freida publicly asked fans to pray for her sister. She is now asking that those prayers continue for the family. “I asked you all months ago to pray for Dolly, but now I’m going to ask you to please pray for me and my entire family as we navigate this insurmountable loss.”
Dolly Parton Was Laid to Rest Beside Carl Dean
Dolly’s family gathered for a private funeral at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville on Friday, August 28. The singer was laid to rest beside Carl Dean, her husband of 58 years. Carl died in March 2025 at age 82.
Page Six reported on Friday, August 28 that Dolly’s nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, handled the arrangements. A source described the farewell as “a very simple ceremony” because “that’s all Dolly wanted.”
Freida said no one could ever take her sister’s place. “There will never be anyone who can replace her in our hearts, and I know she holds a special place in many of yours as well.”
How Will Freida Parton Honor Her ‘Dolly Momma’?
Freida revealed that she is creating a special project in Dolly’s memory, though she did not disclose what it will be. “I’m working on something very special for all of you in her honor,” she wrote. “It’s my way of keeping a little piece of my Dolly Momma with me, while sharing her with all of you who loved her, too.”
She also promised to carry forward Dolly’s joyful, generous spirit, even on days when moving ahead feels impossible.
“I know she would want me to keep going, keep smiling, and keep sharing the love she gave so freely with others,” Freida wrote. “That is what I’m going to try to do, even on the days when it feels impossible.”
