Following the private family-only funeral service held for Dolly Parton on August 28, when she was laid to rest in Nashville beside her longtime husband Carl Dean, her family members have shared emotional tributes to the late star.
Dolly was the fourth of 12 siblings, and acted as a maternal figure to many of her younger siblings, as well as her many nieces and nephews. She was affectionately referred to as "Aunt Dolly" and "granny," and even "Momma" by her family members.
© FacebookThe latest to share a tribute was her younger sister Freida. The 69-year-old was previously the one who took to social media to ask fans to send "prayers" for her older sister, which first sparked concern over her health.
"Thank you all for bearing with me as I mourn the death of my big sister," Freida penned. "I know to the entire world, she was a superstar, but to me, she was my Dolly Momma."
"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. 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 continued.
Sharing deeper insight into their bond as sisters, she wrote: "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."
© Getty ImagesFreida requested Dolly's millions of fans to envelop the Parton family with their prayers and love. "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," she wrote.
"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."
© Getty ImagesFreida also emphasized her sister's last wish for her loved ones, to keep going after her death and spread the same message of love and acceptance that she did. "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."
She also revealed that she was working on a special project to honor her late sister, although kept the details under wraps. "I'm working on something very special for all of you in her honor."
"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."
She signed off: "All My Love, Freida."
