Freida Parton, sister of the late Dolly Parton, has spoken publicly for the first time since the country music icon's private funeral, delivering an emotional tribute to the woman she called her "Dolly Momma". In a Facebook post, Freida revealed the profound role Dolly played in her life, from childhood comfort to raising her as a teenager.
Private funeral in Nashville
Dolly Parton was interred on Friday, August 28, in Nashville during an intimate ceremony attended only by immediate family. Her niece Lainey Mae Parton announced the news via Instagram, sharing multiple images of the star and describing the difficulty of articulating her grief.
The singer was buried next to her late husband Carl Dean at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville. Dean passed away in March 2025 after nearly six decades of marriage. Dolly had previously expressed her wish for a modest, private send-off, and sources suggest she was buried wearing a simple cotton dress and her signature high heels.
Freida's heartfelt tribute
In her Facebook post, Freida wrote: "Thank you all for bearing with me as I mourn the death of my big sister. I know to the entire world, she was a superstar, but to me, she was my Dolly Momma."
She recalled childhood moments, writing: "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 shared a lighter memory of Dolly trying to convince her to wear her wigs during performances at Dollywood, admitting she did not listen.
Freida acknowledged their occasional disagreements, writing: "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 then asked supporters to pray for her family as they navigate the loss.
Dolly's final wishes
Dolly Parton had discussed her funeral arrangements publicly over a decade ago. In a 2014 interview with Entertainment Weekly, she said she expected "I Will Always Love You" to be played, but revealed her true preference was "If We Never Meet Again (This Side Of Heaven)", a country-gospel hymn written by Albert E Brumley in 1945. She explained it was her father's favourite song and had been sung at his funeral.
Her death was announced on August 25 by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who said Dolly had asked him to be ready for that moment years in advance. Her publicist later confirmed she had died after a "brief battle with cancer". Freida ended her tribute by thanking fans for their love, writing: "Thank you for loving her, for praying for her, and now, for loving and praying for all of us. All My Love, Freida." She also revealed she is working on a special tribute in her sister's honour, saying: "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."
