The world knew Dolly Parton as a superstar, but Freida Parton knew a different side of her elder sister. In a deeply personal statement on Facebook on Saturday, August 29, Freida recalled the childhood fears they shared, the disagreements they overcame, and the years Dolly spent raising her.
She also asked fans to pray for their grieving family. “Thank you all for bearing with me as I mourn the death of my big sister,” Freida wrote.
The “Jolene” singer, 80, died on Tuesday, August 25, after what her family called a “brief battle” with unspecified cancer.
Why Did Freida Parton Call Dolly Her ‘Dolly Momma’?
(Photo by Betty Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Freida, 69, revealed that Dolly cared for her during five formative years of her life.
“I know to the entire world, she was a superstar, but to me, she was my Dolly Momma,” she 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.”
Her memories also included lighter moments. Dolly once tried to persuade Freida to wear her wigs while performing at Dollywood.
“Sorry, sister, but I definitely didn’t listen to you on that one,” Freida added.
Freida acknowledged that their bond included the same tensions many sisters experience. “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 had publicly requested prayers for her sister. She is now asking that support be extended to everyone mourning the loss.
What Did Dolly Parton’s Sister Ask of Fans?
“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,” Freida wrote.
She told fans that her sister could never be replaced and admitted that continuing without her will sometimes feel impossible.
Still, Freida plans to honor Dolly by carrying her generosity forward. “I know she would want me to keep going, keep smiling, and keep sharing the love she gave so freely with others,” she wrote. “That is what I’m going to try to do, even on the days when it feels impossible.”
Freida ended her message by revealing that she has begun work on an undisclosed project celebrating her sister. “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.”
Dolly was one of 12 children born to Robert Lee Parton Sr. and Avie Lee Parton. She grew up in Tennessee alongside six brothers, Willadeene, David, Denver, Bobby, Randy and Larry, and five sisters, including Frieda, Stella, Cassie, Rachel and Floyd.