Dolly Parton Sets the Record Straight: “I Ain’t Dead!”

Country music legend Dolly Parton has spent decades at the top of her game, notching a record-setting 26 No. 1 hits on the country charts. As she nears her 80th birthday in January, the iconic “Jolene” singer had plans to headline a Las Vegas residency in December. However, recent health issues forced Parton to postpone the residency and cancel other upcoming appearances — raising alarm among fans and even prompting heartfelt prayers from her sister, Freida Parton.

But fans can breathe a sigh of relief. The 11-time Grammy winner addressed the growing speculation directly this week with a personal update on social media, assuring everyone that she’s doing just fine.

“Do I Look Sick to You?”: Dolly Breaks Her Silence

In a video shared to Instagram on Wednesday (Oct. 8), Parton sat in front of a green screen — taking a break from filming commercials for the Grand Ole Opry — to speak candidly about her health.

“I know lately everybody thinks that I’m sicker than I am,” she said with a smile. “Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here.”

She went on to thank her fans for their concern and prayers. “I’m a person of faith, and I can always use prayers for anything and everything. But I want you to know that I’m okay.”

Grieving and Healing After the Loss of Her Husband

Parton also opened up about the impact of losing her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March 2025 after nearly six decades of marriage. During his long illness and after his death, she admitted to letting some aspects of her own health take a back seat.

“I let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of,” she said. “When I finally got around to it, the doctor told me, ‘We need to deal with this.’ It’s nothing major, but I had to cancel some things so I could stay close to home — and close to Vanderbilt — where I’ve been getting some treatments here and there.”

Despite the medical attention, she made one thing crystal clear:

“I wanted you to know that I’m not dying.”

Still Got Work to Do

Parton couldn’t resist poking fun at some of the more dramatic online rumors — particularly AI-generated images falsely showing her and fellow country star Reba McEntire on their supposed deathbeds.

“We both looked like we need to be buried,” she quipped, laughing.

Returning to a more serious tone, she emphasized that her journey is far from over.

“I’m not ready to die yet,” she said. “I don’t think God is through with me — and I ain’t done working.”

With her signature mix of humor, humility, and resilience, Dolly Parton continues to prove that even in the face of loss and health setbacks, her spirit — and her work ethic — remain unshakable.