Dolly Parton is reassuring fans that she’s doing just fine after recent health concerns and a series of postponed shows. In a video message, the country music icon addressed circulating rumors — including a bizarre AI-generated image showing her allegedly on her “death bed” with Reba McEntire. Parton quipped, “If I was really dying, I don’t think Reba would be by my side.”

“There’s just a lot of rumors flying around, but I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was okay,” she said. “So anyhow, that’s what I wanted to say and I’m not ready to die yet. 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.”

The video comes just one day after her sister Freida Parton sparked concern with a Facebook post asking fans to pray for Dolly. “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, 68, wrote. “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!”

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Freida later clarified that she didn’t intend to alarm fans. “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,” she wrote.

Parton’s health updates follow her September 28 announcement that she would need to postpone several Las Vegas residency dates due to “a few procedures.” In a statement, she explained, “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…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. You see good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”

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She reassured fans that she has no plans to retire, noting, “God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. 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.” She also revealed that her December 2025 residency dates will now take place in fall 2026.

This comes shortly after Parton missed an event at her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., due to a kidney stone that led to an infection. “The doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better,’” she said in a video, adding that she was “there in spirit” and looking forward to future events.

Fans, while initially concerned, are expressing relief and admiration for Parton’s humor and transparency. One social media user wrote, “Dolly always knows how to calm her fans and make us laugh — even about kidney stones!” Another said, “We love her so much. She’ll always keep working and shining, and we’ll support her every step of the way.”

This episode highlights the devotion of Dolly Parton’s fandom. While fans naturally worry when their beloved icon faces health issues, Parton’s direct message reminds everyone that she’s in good hands and will share updates when the time is right.

Photo Credit: @dollyparton