Freida Parton Remembers Her Late Sister Dolly Parton in Heartfelt Tribute

Just a day after laying her sister to rest, Freida Parton found the strength to share a public message of grief and gratitude. Her words offered fans a rare, intimate glimpse into the sisters' lifelong closeness.

Freida Parton is mourning the loss of her beloved sister, country music legend Dolly Parton, who passed away in her home state of Tennessee, on August 25, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer. She was 80 years old.

Dolly Parton attends the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

On Saturday, August 29, just one day after Dolly was laid to rest, Freida honored her sister with a heartfelt tribute. "Thank you all for bearing with me as I mourn the death of my big sister," Freida began.

She continued, "I know to the entire world, she was a superstar, but to me, she was my Dolly Momma. She was the sister who would climb into bed with me when I was little because we were both afraid of the dark."

Freida then reminisced about the maternal role Dolly played in her life.

Dolly Parton, Stella Parton and Frieda Parton pose for a photo during the recording of Frieda's new album at Bearsville Studios in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

"She was the woman who stepped up and became my Momma, raising me from ages 13 to 18. She was the one who tried to convince me to wear her wigs at my shows in Dollywood (sorry, sister, but I definitely didn't listen to you on that one)," she joked.

Freida, herself a singer-songwriter, admitted that like all siblings, she and Dolly had their share of arguments and disagreements over the years. Still, she noted, one thing never wavered. "I never stopped loving her," Freida said.

She then turned to her followers for support.

Stella Parton, Freida Parton and Dolly Parton pose for a photo during the recording of Frieda's new album at Bearsville Studios in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

"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," she wrote. "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."

Freida went on to express her determination to carry her sister's spirit forward. "I know she would want me to keep going, keep smiling, and keep sharing the love she gave so freely with others," she continued. "That is what I'm going to try to do, even on the days when it feels impossible."

Stella Parton, Freida Parton and Dolly Parton pose for a photo during the recording of Frieda's new album at Bearsville Studios in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

She also revealed that she's working on a personal project to honor Dolly's memory. "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 explained.

Freida concluded her tribute with a message of gratitude. "Thank you for loving her, for praying for her, and now, for loving and praying for all of us."

Frieda and Dolly Parton | Source: Facebook/Freida Parton

Dolly was one of 12 children born in Tennessee to Robert Lee Parton and his wife, Avie Lee Parton.

Born in the middle of the pack, she joined siblings Willadeene, 86; David, who died in 2024 at age 82; Coy, who died in July at age 82; Bobby, 78; Stella, 77; Cassie, 75; Randy, who died in 2021 at age 67; Larry, who died as an infant in 1955; twins Freida, 69, and Floyd, who died in 2018 at age 61; and Rachel, 66.

Last October, Freida drew attention when she asked for prayers for her older sister after Dolly postponed her Las Vegas residency due to unspecified health struggles.

"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 wrote at the time, though she later clarified that she "didn't mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly."

Dolly had been dealing with ongoing kidney and autoimmune issues over the past year, during which she frequently provided updates on her treatment and recovery. On Friday, August 21, she was admitted to the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville. She died just days later.