Country music legend Dolly Parton reassured fans that she’s doing “just fine” following weeks of speculation surrounding her health. The 79-year-old singer-songwriter sparked widespread concern after announcing the postponement of her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency due to “health challenges.”
In a heartfelt Instagram post on September 28, 2025, Parton informed fans that her doctors had advised her to take a temporary break.
“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts,” she wrote. “As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures.”
With her trademark humor, the “Jolene” icon added, “As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!”
Concern for Parton’s well-being deepened in early October after her sister Freida Parton posted a public prayer request on Facebook.
“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly,” Freida wrote. “Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been led to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me.”
Freida’s emotional message quickly went viral, prompting fans worldwide to fear the worst. Within hours, she issued a follow-up post to clarify her intent.
“I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious,” Freida explained. “She’s been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer. It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister.”
Not one to let rumors linger, Parton addressed the speculation herself later that day with a humorous video shared to X (formerly Twitter). Captioned, “I ain’t dead yet!”, the clip showed the country superstar sitting in front of a green screen, sporting her signature blonde hair, red-and-black outfit, and radiant smile.
“Do I look sick to you?!” she quipped. “I’m working hard here. I’ve got some problems, as I mentioned, but I’m OK.”
Parton thanked fans for their love and prayers but admitted that she hadn’t been prioritizing her health since the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, in 2023. “I didn’t take care of myself after Carl died,” she said. The singer also laughed off viral AI-generated photos showing Reba McEntire at her “deathbed,” calling them “creepy but kind of funny.”
“I’m not ready to die yet,” she added with a grin. “I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working.”
While the specific nature of her health challenges remains private, Parton emphasized that she has not been diagnosed with any serious illness. In her Instagram message, she reassured fans that she can still handle most of her creative work from her home in Nashville.
“In all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see,” she wrote. “You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”
Despite the temporary pause, Parton made it clear she has no plans to retire.
“Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” she assured fans. “But I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you.”
The Queen of Country ended her note with gratitude: “I love you, and thank you for understanding.”
With over six decades in music and countless hits to her name, Dolly Parton remains one of America’s most beloved entertainers. Whether she’s writing songs, producing films, or giving back through her Imagination Library literacy program, her enduring spirit continues to inspire generations.
And as she humorously reminded the world she’s not done yet.
