The singer, 79, was recently forced to pull out of a Dollywood event after being diagnosed with a kidney stone that she said was causing "a lot of problems". After she also postponed a forthcoming Las Vegas residency, Freida Parton said that her sister "hasn't been feeling her best" and asked fans for their prayers. But in a new post on Facebook, she clarified: "I want to clear something up. I didn't mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly. "She's been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer. It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister." She added: "Thank you all for lifting her up. Your love truly makes a difference."

A spokesperson for the singer also told CBS News, the BBC's US partner, that she will be posting a social media message on Wednesday that "will address everyone's concerns". In the previous post, her sister said she had been "up all night praying for my sister", who, she said, "hasn't been feeling her best lately". Freida Parton did, however, ended her message on an upbeat note.

"She's strong, she's loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she's going to be just fine," she wrote. "Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!" Parton had been scheduled to perform six shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in December. But she postponed the gigs until September next year, telling fans she needs "a few procedures" to deal with ongoing "health challenges". Kidney stones are a common ailment, with more than 1 in 10 people affected according to the NHS. Larger kidney stones can cause considerable pain, and can lead to infections and other issues if not treated. (BBC/Facebook/ FilmMagic)