Country music icon Dolly Parton wants her fans to know she’s still shining bright—even if recent rumors had some folks fearing the worst.

On Wednesday, the 79-year-old superstar posted a candid video to Instagram, addressing the growing concern over her health with the kind of humor and honesty that has endeared her to generations. “I know lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am,” Parton said, flashing that unmistakable smile. The video’s caption? “I ain’t dead yet!”

How Did the Rumors Start?

Worries about Dolly Parton’s well-being began swirling earlier this week after her sister, Freida Parton, took to Facebook with a heartfelt plea. “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 wrote on October 7. She described a sleepless night spent praying for her famous sister and ended her post on a hopeful note: “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!”

The post quickly went viral, activating Dolly’s global fanbase and sparking a wave of speculation online. Was the beloved singer facing a serious health crisis? Would she be able to return to the stage?

Dolly’s Direct Response

In her Instagram video, Dolly didn’t shy away from the rumors. “Do I look sick to you?” she asked, glancing into the camera with a playful grin. “I’m working hard here!” She explained that she was filming the video on October 8 in between shooting commercials, wanting to “put everybody’s mind at ease, those of you that seem to be real concerned.”

Parton admitted that she is dealing with “some problems” and undergoing “a few treatments,” but she was quick to reassure fans: “I’m OK.” She candidly shared that after losing her husband, Carl Dean, earlier this year, she let her own health slide. “I didn’t take care of myself and let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of,” she confessed.

“When I got around to it, the doctor said, ‘We need to take care of this, we need to take care of that,’” Dolly explained. “Nothing major, but I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home.”

Impact on Her Career

The health challenges have had real consequences for Parton’s busy schedule. In a September 28 social media post, she announced the postponement of her highly anticipated Las Vegas concerts. “As many of you know, I’ve been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures,” she wrote. “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. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”

Still, Dolly’s work ethic is as unstoppable as ever. “My condition will allow me to work on all of my projects from here in Nashville,” she assured fans. “I just need a little time to get show ready.”

A Message of Resilience

If there’s one thing Dolly Parton isn’t ready to do, it’s slow down for good. “I wanted you to know that I’m not dying!” she declared in her Instagram video. “I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working.”

Her words prompted a collective sigh of relief from fans and fellow musicians alike. Social media quickly filled with messages of love and support. “We need you, Dolly!” one fan commented. “The world’s a better place with you in it.”

Sisterly Love and the Power of Community

Freida Parton’s emotional Facebook post offered a rare glimpse into the close-knit bond between the Parton siblings. Her call for “prayer warriors” was met with tens of thousands of supportive comments from fans around the world. The outpouring of love and solidarity underscored just how much Dolly means to so many.

Freida’s faith in her sister’s strength was echoed by fans who have followed Dolly through decades of ups and downs, both on stage and off. “She’s a fighter,” one supporter wrote. “She’s overcome so much, and she’ll get through this too.”

Dolly’s Enduring Legacy

Dolly Parton’s health update is a reminder of her transparency and resilience, qualities that have made her an icon far beyond the world of country music. Whether she’s writing chart-topping hits, advocating for children’s literacy, or simply sharing a laugh with fans, Dolly remains a beacon of positivity and hope.

Her most recent public appearance, at the premiere of “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs In Symphony” at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on March 20, 2025, showed her in high spirits, greeting fans and celebrating her legacy.

Looking Ahead

While Dolly takes the time she needs to focus on her health, she assures everyone that she’s not going anywhere. “I just need a little time to get show ready,” she reminds her fans—and if history is any indication, she’ll be back, dazzling audiences with her wit, warmth, and unmistakable voice.

For now, Dolly’s message is clear: “I ain’t dead yet!” And as long as there’s a stage to stand on, a song to sing, and a world that needs a little more kindness, Dolly Parton will be there—reminding us all to keep the faith, keep smiling, and never count her out.