Country music icon Dolly Parton has reassured fans that she is alive and well after a wave of concern about her health spread online — sparked by a social media post from her sister, Freida Parton.
In a lighthearted video shared on Wednesday titled “I Ain’t Dead Yet!”, the 79-year-old legend directly addressed the rumours, saying she wanted her fans to hear the truth straight from her.
“There are just a lot of rumours flying around. But I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was okay,” Parton said. “I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me. And I ain’t done working.”
Clarifying the Concern
The confusion began when Freida Parton posted on Facebook that she had been “up all night praying” for her sister, which quickly fueled speculation about Dolly’s health.
Freida later clarified that her post was not meant to alarm anyone.
“She’s been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe in the power of prayer,” she explained.
The timing added to the speculation, as Dolly had recently postponed her Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace — her first in 32 years — citing “health challenges.” The shows, originally set for December, have been moved to September 2026.
Dolly’s Message: Faith, Health, and Humor
In her video, Parton explained that she’s been undergoing some treatments at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, but emphasized that the issues are “nothing major.”
“Everyone thinks I’m sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here!” she joked.
She also reflected on her recent loss — the passing of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, earlier this year.
“When Carl was very sick, I didn’t take care of myself. So when I finally did, the doctor said, ‘We need to take care of this and that.’ Nothing serious, but I needed to slow down for a bit.”
Still, Dolly made it clear that her trademark spirit remains unshaken:
“I appreciate your prayers because I’m a person of faith. I can always use them for anything and everything. But I wanted you to know that I’m not dying.”
“I Ain’t Done Working”
Known for her humor, humility, and work ethic, Parton ended her message on a characteristically upbeat note — reminding fans that she’s far from finished.
With her health improving and new music projects in the works, the beloved “9 to 5” singer says she plans to keep doing what she loves most: spreading joy through her songs and stories.
“I ain’t done working,” she said with a smile.
