Freida Parton Mourns 'Insurmountable loss' Of 'Big Sister' Dolly Parton In Emotional Tribute

Freida Parton wrote a heartfelt post as she grieves the "insurmountable loss" of her sister, Dolly Parton.

Dolly Parton "died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old," according to an official statement issued August 25. The beloved country legend's representatives confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement, "after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones." The country music community quickly honored Dolly Parton in an outpouring of tributes. She was laid to rest in a private service for her immediate family in Nashville, Tennessee.

"Thank you all for bearing with me as I mourn the death of my big sister," Freida Parton, 69, posted on Facebook over the weekend. "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. 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).

"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," Freida Parton continued. "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. 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. I know she would want me to keep going, keep smiling, and keep sharing the love she gave so freely with others. That is what I'm going to try to do, even on the days when it feels impossible.

"I'm working on something very special for all of you in her honor. 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 said. "Thank you for loving her, for praying for her, and now, for loving and praying for all of us. All My Love, Freida."

Freida Parton referenced a post she wrote in October 2025, asking others to join her in praying fort he "I Will Always Love You" artist amid her "health challenges." She said at the time, in part, "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." She later clarified, "I didn't mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly. …It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister."

One day later, Dolly Parton shared a statement to address rumors about her health. She said at the time, "I figured if you heard it from me, you'd know that I was OK. …I don't think God is through with me and I ain't done working."

The official announcement issued last week stated that "Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 - 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 - 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 - 2000). …At Dolly's request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly's fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library."