Dolly Parton reassures fans after health scare, postpones Vegas shows, but stays upbeat and grateful.
Country music legend Dolly Parton has addressed recent health worries, posting a video on Instagram to assure fans that she is doing well. The 79-year-old star shared the message a day after her sister Freida asked the public to pray for Parton, which triggered widespread concern about her wellbeing.
Dolly Parton Addresses Health Concerns After Recent Scare
“I know lately everyone thinks I’m sicker than I really am. Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard,” Parton said in the Instagram video, filmed during a commercial shoot at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. She emphasized her gratitude for the prayers and clarified that while she has some medical issues, nothing is life-threatening.
Parton explained that she had neglected her health after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, earlier this year. “I let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of. When I finally did, the doctors said we need to address this and that,” she said, adding that the necessary treatments forced her to cancel some engagements.
The country icon also joked about an AI-generated image showing her and fellow star Reba McEntire on their supposed “deathbeds.” “We both looked like we need to be buried,” she laughed. “There are a lot of rumors flying around, so I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know I’m okay. I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is finished with me, and I’m not done working.”
Her sister Freida had initially posted on Facebook asking for prayers, describing Parton as “a little under the weather.” She later clarified that her message was not intended to alarm anyone. “It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister,” Freida wrote.
Parton Delays Vegas Shows
Parton had recently postponed her Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, originally scheduled for December, citing the need for several medical procedures. According to her sister Stella, Parton is currently being treated for kidney stones, a common but often painful condition. The shows are now rescheduled for September 17–26, 2026.
Despite these setbacks, Parton remains upbeat. She thanked fans for their support, saying, “I love you for caring, and keep praying for me. I ain’t dead yet.”
Known for hits like Jolene, I Will Always Love You (that's right – the song is originally by Dolly Parton, not Whitney Houston!) , and 9 to 5, Parton continues to inspire her fans with resilience, humor, and unwavering dedication to her music career even in the face of health challenges.