Her heartfelt tribute to the country music icon came just one day after Dolly was laid to rest on Friday, August 28, following a private family service in Nashville. She was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park beside her husband, Carl Dean.
Freida is Dolly’s younger sister and the 11th of the 12 Parton siblings. She turned to Facebook to share a lengthy and emotional message about the profound impact Dolly had on both her life and the world.
The post included a touching photo of Freida and Dolly holding hands and smiling at one another.
“Thank you all for bearing with me as I mourn the death of my big sister,” Freida wrote. “I know to the entire world, she was a superstar, but to me, she was my Dolly Momma.”
Freida went on to explain just how important Dolly was throughout her life. She described her sister as someone who was always there whenever she needed her.
“She was the sister who would climb into bed with me when I was little because we were both afraid of the dark,” Freida continued. “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 many siblings, the two had their disagreements over the years. Their relationship wasn’t always perfect, but Freida made it clear that their love for one another always remained.
“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.”
In October of last year, Freida also shared a post asking fans to pray for Dolly after it became known that the singer was dealing with health issues. At the time, the full extent of Dolly’s health struggles had not been publicly revealed.
Now, Freida is asking Dolly’s many fans to keep her and the rest of the Parton family in their prayers as they face 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. “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 concluded her emotional tribute by revealing that she is working on something “very special” for Dolly’s fans. She did not provide any details about the project, but hinted that it will be a meaningful way to honor her sister.
“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. Thank you for loving her, for praying for her, and now, for loving and praying for all of us.”
