Freida Parton, one of Dolly Parton's 11 siblings, has spoken out following the country music legend's private funeral, delivering a heartfelt tribute to the woman she affectionately referred to as her "Dolly Momma." Freida revealed she was finding it difficult to accept the death of her "big sister" after the iconic performer passed away aged 80 last week following a short illness with cancer.
Private Nashville Funeral and Burial
Dolly was interred in Nashville on Friday, 28 August, during a private ceremony attended by immediate family members. Her niece Lainey Mae Parton announced the news through a poignant Instagram post, uploading multiple images of the star and expressing the challenge of articulating her sorrow.
The performer 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 60 years of marriage to Dolly.
Dolly had previously stated that she desired a modest and private send-off. According to sources, she was interred wearing a simple cotton dress and her cherished high heels, capturing the country star's renowned fashion sensibility while also respecting her preferences for a more low-key final goodbye.
Freida's Facebook Tribute
Now Freida has posted a profoundly personal homage to her sister, disclosing the unique position Dolly occupied in her life. Posting on Facebook, Freida stated: "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 continued by recalling childhood moments they shared, detailing how Dolly would provide reassurance when they felt scared. "She was the sister who would climb into bed with me when I was little because we were both afraid of the dark," Freida wrote. "She was the woman who stepped up and became my Momma, raising me from ages 13 to 18."
Freida also recounted a more humorous occasion when Dolly attempted to convince her to don her wigs during performances at Dollywood. "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 said.
Sibling Bond and Family Impact
Despite their strong connection, Freida acknowledged that, like any siblings, they had encountered their fair share of conflicts over the years. "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.
She subsequently requested supporters to remember her family in their prayers as they process their heartbreaking bereavement. "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 said.
Freida said her sister's impact within their family extended far beyond her celebrity status. "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," she wrote. "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."
Special Project in Her Honour
Freida also disclosed that she is developing a special project to commemorate her late sister. "I'm working on something very special for all of you in her honour," she said. "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 concluded her heartfelt message by expressing gratitude to fans for the affection they had demonstrated towards Dolly throughout her life and since her passing. "Thank you for loving her, for praying for her, and now, for loving and praying for all of us. All My Love, Freida."
Dolly had discussed her funeral preferences publicly more than ten years prior to her passing. During a 2014 conversation with Entertainment Weekly, the performer was questioned about which melodies she would wish to have performed following her death. While she accepted that numerous individuals would anticipate hearing her legendary composition I Will Always Love You, she disclosed that she had selected a different musical piece.
"I'm sure they'll be playing I Will Always Love You when I die, just like they did with Whitney Houston," Dolly said. She remembered viewing Houston's funeral service, during which her rendition of the track accompanied the late singer's casket as it was carried from the ceremony. "When they picked her coffin up and started in on that song, I started to cry, and I thought, 'Oh my lord', that's when it hit me that she was really gone."
However, Dolly stated the piece she genuinely desired was If We Never Meet Again (This Side Of Heaven), a country-gospel composition penned by Albert E Brumley in 1945. She clarified that the melody held exceptional personal significance as it had been her father's most beloved. "But there's a song called If We Never Meet Again, it's an old country-gospel church song that talks about, 'if we never meet again this side of heaven, I will meet you on that beautiful shore, where the charming roses bloom forever and where separations come no more'," she said. "That was my daddy's favourite. We did sing it at his funeral, and I would like it to be sung at mine."
Dolly's requests for an intimate private ceremony were ultimately honoured, with her close family coming together in Nashville for her final goodbye. Her passing was revealed on August 25 by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who described the moment as one Dolly herself had requested he arrange for years beforehand. Her publicist subsequently confirmed that she had passed away following a "brief battle with cancer."
While admirers continue to grieve the loss of the country icon, Freida's homage has provided a window into the Dolly that lived beyond the spotlight: not simply an international star, but a cherished sister who helped bring up her younger sibling and stayed her "Dolly Momma" throughout her life.
