Dolly Parton Asks Everyone to Stop Worrying After Health Scare

Hair and mood Dolly Parton are as high as ever, despite health scare rumors circulating on social media. Over the weekend, the country icon’s sister shared a statement asking everyone to keep Parton in prayer, which led some to believe she was seriously ill. Freida Parton he later explained that he “didn’t want to scare anyone,” but just in case, Parton spoke out from behind the scenes Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to show that he’s okay and that everyone can stop worrying.

In a video on Instagram filmed today, October 8th, Parton debunked the rumors, while also sharing his perspective on some of the mixed reactions he’s seen online.

“I know lately everyone thinks I’m sicker than I am,” he said. Parton. “Do I look sick to you?” She noted that she was at the iconic Nashville location to film some commercials, which explains her cowgirl-themed outfit. “I’m working hard,” she continued. “I wanted to put everyone’s minds at ease, those of you who seem to be really worried — which I appreciate, and I appreciate your prayers, because I’m a person of faith. I can always use prayers for anything and everything. But I want you to know that I’m okay.”

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A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)

Parton explained that she was dealing with “some issues” that arose after her husband’s death, Carl Deanin May this year, after he had been ill for “a long time”. “When he passed away, I didn’t take care of myself,” she said. “I left out a lot of things that I should have taken care of. Anyway, when I got down to it, the doctor said, ‘We need to take care of this, we need to take care of that.'”

Parton assured viewers that it’s “nothing serious,” but noted that the recent events and appearances he had to cancel were so he could stay close to home and Vanderbilt Medical Center, where he is “getting some treatments here and there.”

“I wanted you to know that I’m not dying,” she said before turning her attention to a ridiculous AI-generated photo imagining her on her deathbed. “Did you see that AI photo of Reba [McEntire] and me? Oh my God. I mean, they put the Reba on my deathbed and we both look like we need to be buried. I thought, oh my God, if I were really dying, I don’t think the Reba would be the one on my deathbed. She could come visit me sooner.”

Fortunately, we don’t need to test the theory. “There’s just a lot of rumors flying around. But I figured if you guys heard from me, you’d know I was okay,” he said. Parton. “I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is done with me and I’m not done working. I love you guys for caring, and keep praying for me.”

This article was originally published by Rolling Stone USA, by Larisha Paul, on October 8, 2025, and can be seen here.

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