Dolly Parton gives health update: 'I ain't dead yet' following her sister's call for prayers
Country singer Dolly Parton assures fans that she's fine.
Image: Instagram
Country music icon Dolly Parton has directly addressed rumours about her health, taking to social media to let fans know she's "okay."
The 79-year-old singer posted a video message on Instagram, using the caption "I ain't dead yet!" to ease the concerns that were amplified after her sister, Freida Parton, recently made a public plea for prayers.
"Everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am," Dolly shared in the video, joking, "Do I look sick to you? I'm working hard here!"
She adds that she’s been busy shooting commercials for the Grand Ole Opry.
The worries over the star's health came to a head when her sister, Freida, posted a heartfelt request to fans on social media.
Freida urged those who love Dolly to become "prayer warriors," writing that she had been "up all night praying for my sister, Dolly," who "hasn't been feeling her best lately."
The “Jolene” singer explained that some of her recent health "problems" were initially tied to the difficult period following the death of her beloved husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March.
The star behind hits like "Nine to Five" and "I Will Always Love You" admitted that she neglected her own well-being while caring for him.
"Back when my husband Carl was very sick, that was for a long time, and then when he passed, I didn’t take care of myself," she confessed. "So I let a lot of things go that I should’ve been taking care of."
Once she finally sought medical attention, doctors advised her to get a few things checked out.
She stressed that the issues are "nothing major" but did require her to cancel some professional commitments, including some related to the musical based on her movie "9 to 5", so she could stay closer to Vanderbilt University Medical Centre for treatments.
Her main reason for speaking out was to quash the mounting speculation.
"I wanted to put everybody's mind at ease," she said, thanking her fans for their concern and prayers. But she wanted to be perfectly clear about her future plans.
"I wanted you to know that I’m not dying," the legendary singer declared.
"I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working."
Dolly concluded her message with her characteristic warmth, telling fans, "I love you for caring, and keep praying for me."