Dolly Parton, the 79-year-old country music icon, has been dealing with some health challenges recently. Late last month, she announced the postponement of her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years—six shows scheduled for December at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace—due to unspecified "health challenges." She explained that she would continue working on projects from Nashville but couldn't rehearse for the live performances, emphasizing her commitment to her career: "God hasn't said anything about me stopping yet."
More specifically, Parton was diagnosed with a kidney stone that led to an infection, forcing her to pull out of a Dollywood event. A representative confirmed to outlets that the issue was "just the kidney stones, and the procedure she needs to resolve those."
On Tuesday, Parton's younger sister, Freida Parton (68, a fellow musician and one of Dolly's 11 siblings), posted on Facebook urging fans to pray for her: "Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. 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."
She added an optimistic note: "She's strong, she's loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in her heart she's going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!"
The post quickly went viral, garnering nearly 4,000 comments, 19,000 shares, and widespread media coverage, amplifying fears that Parton might be gravely ill.
The very next day, on Wednesday, Parton addressed the rumors head-on with a two-minute video posted across her social media platforms (Instagram, X, Facebook, and her website). Dressed in her signature flamboyant style and appearing energetic while filming promotional content for the Grand Ole Opry, she captioned the post: "I ain't dead yet!"In the video, Parton laughed off the speculation with her trademark wit and warmth:"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
On her health: "I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working."Parton also touched on broader context, mentioning she hadn't taken good care of herself after her husband Carl Dean's death (though reports confirm Dean is still alive as of this date—possibly a slip or reference to personal challenges). She reiterated her faith and determination to keep going, true to her resilient persona.