Dolly Parton “isn't dead yet,” the country superstar said Wednesday on social media following public speculation about her health.
“There are a lot of rumors. 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 haven’t finished working yet.”
Her post, which appeared on several of her 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 concerns.”
She was scheduled to perform six shows at the Coliseum at Caesars Palace for Dolly: Live in Las Vegas from December 4 to 13, coinciding with the National Finals Rodeo. These dates have been moved to next year – September 2026.
She did not provide specific details at the time, writing: “As many of you know, I have been having some health issues and my doctors told me I needed to undergo 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 am. Do I look sick to you? I work a lot here! “Anyway, I wanted to reassure everyone, those of you who are truly concerned, and I appreciate it,” she continued. “And I appreciate your prayers because I am a man of faith. I can always use prayers for anything and everything.”
“The Power of Prayer”
On Tuesday, a Facebook post posted by her sister Freida Parton heightened concerns about the singer'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 clear something up. “I didn't mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when I asked them to pray for Dolly,” 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 Carl Dean, her late husband of nearly 60 years 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.”
And in true Parton fashion, she ended with a joke.
“But I wanted you to know that I am not dying. Have you seen the AI photo of Reba? [McEntire] and me, oh God! I mean, Reba was at my deathbed and we both look like we need to be buried,” she laughed.
“If I were really dying, I don’t think Reba would be at my deathbed. She could have visited me sooner.”