Dolly Parton responds to health concerns: ’I’m not dying’

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NEW YORK — Dolly Parton “isn't dead yet,” the country superstar said on social media Wednesday following public speculation about her health.

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“There's a lot of rumors going around. But I thought if you heard it from me, you'd know I'm okay,” the 79-year-old singer said in a new two-minute video posted to Instagram. “I'm not ready to die yet. I don't think God is done with me. And I'm not done working yet.”

Her post, which appeared on many of Parton's social media accounts and her website, was captioned: “I'm not dead yet.”

Late last month, Parton postponed her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years, citing “health issues.”

She was scheduled to perform six shows at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace as part of “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas” from Dec. 4 to 13, coinciding with the National Finals Rodeo. Its dates have been moved to next year – September 2026.

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She didn't provide specific details at the time, writing, “As many of you know, I've been having some health issues and my doctors have told me I need to have several procedures. As I joked, it's time for my 100,000 mile checkup, although this is no ordinary trip to my plastic surgeon!”

In a new video clip released Wednesday, Parton sits on set and talks directly to the camera, telling her audience that she's going to be taping some commercials for the Grand Ole Opry, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

“Everyone thinks I'm sicker than I really am. Do I look sick to you? I work hard here! Anyway, I wanted to reassure everyone, those of you who are truly worried, and I appreciate it,” she continued. “And I appreciate your prayers because I'm a man of faith. I can always use prayers for anything and everything.”

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On Tuesday, a Facebook post shared by her sister Freida Parton heightened concerns about Parton's health when she wrote that she was “up all night praying for my sister Dolly.” A few hours later, Frida Parton posted another post.

“I want to make something clear. When I asked for prayer for Dolly, I didn't mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious,” she wrote. “She was a little out of sorts and I just asked for prayer because I believe so much in the power of prayer.”

In the video, Parton gave her own clarification, referencing her late husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, who died earlier this year at age 82.

“I want you to know that I'm fine. As I mentioned, I have some problems. Previously, when my husband Carl was very sick, it was for a long time, and then when he passed away, I didn't take care of myself. So I missed out on a lot of things that I should have taken care of,” she said. “Anyway, when I got to this point, the doctor said, ‘We need to take care of this. We need to take care of this.” Nothing major, but I had to cancel some things to be closer to home, closer to Vanderbilt, where I get a few procedures here and there.”

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And in true Parton fashion, she ended with a joke. “But I wanted you to know that I'm not dying. Have you seen that AI photo of Reba (McEntire) and me, oh my God! I mean, Reba was laying on my deathbed and we both look like we need to be buried,” she laughed.

“If I was really dying, I don't think Reba would have been at my deathbed. She could have visited me sooner.”

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