Dolly Parton Shuts Down Health Rumors: “I Ain’t Dead Yet!”
Dolly Parton is setting the record straight after a wave of rumors spread across social media suggesting the country legend was gravely ill or nearing death. In a video posted Sunday, the 79-year-old icon made it crystal clear: she’s alive, she’s working, and she’s not going anywhere.
“Today is October the 8th, and obviously, I’m here doing some commercials for the Grand Ole Opry,” Parton said with her signature charm, seated in front of a green screen. “Before I got started, I wanted to say… I know lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here!”
The video was captioned with classic Dolly wit: “I ain’t dead yet!”
Parton addressed growing concern from fans who had seen headlines and social media posts claiming she was seriously ill. The speculation escalated after her sister Freida Parton made an emotional Facebook post asking for prayers, which sparked fears that the music legend was on her deathbed.
“I appreciate all your prayers,” Dolly continued. “I want you to know that I’m OK. I did have a few health issues my doctor wanted me to take care of — nothing major, just things I had put off after Carl passed.”
Parton’s husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean, died earlier this year in March. Since then, the singer admitted she hadn’t been prioritizing her health. As a result, she postponed some appearances, including a planned Vegas residency — further fueling the rumors.
“I’m not ready to die yet,” Parton said with conviction. “I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working. So I love you for caring, and keep praying for me.”
Freida Parton later clarified her emotional post, saying she didn’t mean to cause alarm. “She’s been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer,” she wrote. “It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister.”
Despite the online frenzy, Dolly’s message is clear: she’s still got plenty of songs to sing, jokes to crack, and stages to light up. For now, fans can rest easy — Dolly Parton isn’t going anywhere.