In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Dolly Parton reassured her fans that she is alive and well, following swirling rumors about her health. The beloved country superstar, who recently turned 79, took to Instagram to clear the air, stating, “There are just a lot of rumors flying around. But I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was okay.” This two-minute video serves not only as a personal update but also as a testament to her resilience and commitment to her work.
Parton’s announcement comes on the heels of her decision to postpone her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency, which would have marked her return to the city after 32 years. Originally scheduled for December 4 to December 13 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the shows have now been rescheduled to September 2026 due to what she described as “health challenges.” She humorously likened her situation to a “100,000-mile check-up,” indicating that she is undergoing some necessary procedures, although she didn’t delve into specifics.
In the video, Parton candidly addressed the concerns surrounding her health, stating, “Everyone thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here!” She expressed gratitude for the concern from her fans and emphasized her strong faith, saying, “I can always use the prayers for anything and everything.” This acknowledgment of her faith highlights the positivity she maintains even in challenging times.
Parton’s sister, Freida Parton, had previously raised alarms on Facebook by asking for prayers for her sister, which led to heightened speculation about Dolly’s health. After realizing the impact of her words, Freida clarified her intentions, stating, “I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious.” She explained that Dolly had been “a little under the weather,” and her request for prayers stemmed from her belief in their power.
In her video message, Parton also reflected on the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, who died earlier this year at the age of 82. She admitted that during his illness, she neglected her own health, which led to some ongoing challenges. “I didn’t take care of myself. So I let a lot of things go that I should’ve been taking care of,” she revealed, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health. However, she assured her fans that the issues she faces are not severe, and she is managing them with the help of her doctors.
In true Dolly Parton fashion, she ended her message on a light-hearted note, sharing a laugh about a humorous AI-generated image depicting her and fellow country star Reba McEntire. “If I was really dying, I don’t think Reba would be the one at my death bed. She might come visit me earlier,” she joked. This playful spirit, combined with her sincerity, reminds fans of the joy and laughter that Parton brings to her music and her life.
As Dolly Parton continues to navigate her health challenges, her message of hope and resilience resonates with fans around the world. With plans for her Las Vegas residency still on the horizon for 2026, there’s no doubt that Dolly’s spirit and work ethic will keep her shining bright for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates from this country music icon as she continues to inspire countless individuals with her music and heartfelt messages.
