Freida Parton, one of Dolly Parton's 11 siblings, has spoken out following the country music legend's private funeral, sharing a heartfelt tribute to the woman she affectionately referred to as her "Dolly Momma".
Freida revealed she was finding it difficult to accept the loss of her "big sister" after the iconic singer passed away aged 80 last week following a brief battle with cancer. The funeral took place in Nashville on Friday, August 28, with only close family members in attendance.
Dolly's niece Lainey Mae Parton announced the news via an emotional Instagram post, accompanied by a collection of photos of the star, expressing how challenging it was to articulate her sorrow.
A Private Send-Off Honouring Her Wishes
The singer was interred next to her late husband Carl Dean at Woodland Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville. Dean passed away in March 2025 after nearly 60 years of marriage to Dolly. The star had previously expressed her desire for an intimate and private send-off.
Reports suggest she was buried wearing a simple cotton dress and her signature high heels, a nod to the country star's iconic fashion sense while respecting her preference for a more modest final goodbye.
Freida's Moving Tribute
In a 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 continued by recalling childhood moments between them, explaining 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 lighthearted recollection of Dolly attempting to encourage her to wear 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.
Despite their strong connection, Freida acknowledged that, like any siblings, they had encountered their fair share of disputes 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.
A Special Tribute Project in Her Honour
She subsequently asked supporters to keep her family in their prayers as they process their heartbreaking loss. "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 explained that 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."
Freida also disclosed that she is developing a special tribute project in memory of 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 supporters for the affection they had demonstrated towards Dolly throughout her life and since her death. "Thank you for loving her, for praying for her, and now, for loving and praying for all of us. All My Love, Freida."
Dolly's Chosen Funeral Song
Dolly had openly discussed her funeral preferences more than ten years before her passing. During a 2014 conversation with Entertainment Weekly, the legendary performer was questioned about which music she would want played at her funeral. While she recognised that many would anticipate hearing her timeless classic I Will Always Love You, she disclosed that she had a different piece in mind.
"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 watching Houston's funeral service, where her rendition of the track was performed as the singer's casket was carried out.
"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 revealed the song she truly desired was If We Never Meet Again (This Side Of Heaven), a country-gospel hymn penned by Albert E Brumley in 1945. She shared that the track held particular significance as it had been her father's most cherished song.
"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 desire for an intimate private ceremony was honoured, with close family members convening in Nashville to bid their final farewell. Her passing was confirmed on 25 August by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who revealed she had asked him years previously to prepare for that moment. Her publicist subsequently announced that she had passed away after a "brief battle with cancer".
