Dolly Parton’s sister Freida Parton, paid an emotional tribute to the late country music icon, remembering her not simply as a global superstar but as the elder sister who stepped into a motherly role in her life. Dolly died on August 25 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer, leaving behind a decades-long musical legacy and a grieving family.
Freida Parton remembers Dolly as her ‘Dolly Momma ’
Freida took to Facebook to thank fans and well-wishers for their support as the Parton family continues to mourn Dolly’s death. Reflecting on the difference between how the world viewed her sister and how she experienced their relationship privately, Freida wrote, “I know to the entire world, she was a superstar, but to me, she was my Dolly Momma.”Freida recalled how the sisters shared a close bond from childhood. She remembered Dolly climbing into bed with her when they were young because both sisters were afraid of the dark. Their relationship later evolved into something even deeper, with Dolly helping raise Freida between the ages of 13 and 18.
Dolly Parton raised Freida from 13 to 18
For Freida, Dolly was not only a famous sister but also a guiding presence during an important period of her life. She remembered how Dolly stepped up to care for her during her teenage years, becoming the mother figure she needed.Freida also recalled a lighter memory from Dolly’s years at Dollywood, revealing that her elder sister once tried to persuade her to wear her wigs during her shows. The anecdote offered a glimpse into the playful side of their relationship despite the enormous difference between Dolly’s public persona and their private family life.
Like any siblings, the two also had disagreements over the years. Freida acknowledged those ups and downs while making it clear that they never diminished the love she had for her sister.
‘There will never be anyone who can replace her’
As she comes to terms with the loss, Freida described Dolly’s absence as an overwhelming blow to the family. She asked fans to continue praying for her and her loved ones as they navigate what she described as an “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,” Freida wrote.She also vowed to carry forward the warmth and generosity Dolly was known for, writing that she believed her sister would want her to keep moving ahead, smiling and sharing the love she had given so freely.
Freida plans something special in Dolly’s honour
Freida revealed that she is also working on something special to honour Dolly’s memory. She described the project as a way of keeping a part of her “Dolly Momma” close while sharing that memory with the fans who loved the country music legend.Dolly’s family members have continued to remember her through personal tributes following her death. The singer was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Nashville on August 28, with close family members in attendance.
Dolly Parton’s extraordinary musical legacy
Dolly Parton’s career spanned nearly six decades, taking her from humble beginnings in Tennessee to becoming one of the most influential figures in country music. She was celebrated not only for her distinctive voice and songwriting but also for her work as an actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist.Among her best-known songs are ‘Jolene’, ‘9 to 5’, ‘I Will Always Love You’, ‘Coat of Many Colors’ and ‘Here You Come Again’. Her songwriting catalogue and crossover success helped establish her as an enduring cultural figure far beyond country music.Dolly also devoted considerable attention to philanthropy, most notably through the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, which has provided books to children across multiple countries. Her legacy now extends across music, film, business and charitable work but for Freida, her most personal legacy will remain the sister she knew as “Dolly Momma.”