Dolly Parton Addresses Serious Illness Rumors: ‘I Ain’t Dead Yet!’

Country music icon Dolly Parton addressed rumors that have been circulating this week about her being very ill and possibly close to death.

The 79-year-old recording artist posted a video to social media that included the cheeky caption, “I ain’t dead yet!”

“Today is October the 8th, and obviously, I’m here doing some commercials for the Grand Ole Opry,” Parton said while perched on a stool 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!”

I ain’t dead yet! pic.twitter.com/Mp553laadI

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) October 8, 2025

She continued, saying she wanted to “put everybody’s mind at ease” and addressed all the fans who had expressed concern that Parton was sick.

The “Jolene” singer said she appreciated everyone’s prayers. “I want you to know that I’m OK,” Parton went on, saying that she had neglected her health after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March of this year.

Parton explained that her doctor advised her to take care of some health concerns that were “nothing major,” which caused her to cancel some appearances and added fuel to the speculation that she was sicker than she let on.

Get 40% off new DailyWire+ annual memberships with code FALL40 at checkout!

“I’m not ready to die yet,” Parton concluded. “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.” 

Rumors of Parton not doing well began when she postponed her highly anticipated Vegas residency. Those rumors reached a fever pitch earlier this week when the singer’s sister, Freida, posted on social media about needing prayers for Parton’s health.

“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead [sic] to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me,” Freida posted to Facebook. 

“She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!”

Several hours later, Freida clarified her comments after panicked fans feared the “9 to 5” hitmaker was on her deathbed.

“I want to clear something up. I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly,” Freida wrote in a follow-up. “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. Thank you all for lifting her up. Your love truly makes a difference.”