Dolly Parton Has Two Words For The Rumours She’s Dying, “Ain’t Dead”
Country music icon Dolly Parton wants everyone to take a deep breath. She’s fine.
The 79-year-old singer posted a video on 8 October after her sister’s Facebook post sent fans into a panic. “I ain’t dead yet!” Parton wrote in the caption. She filmed the reassurance while shooting commercials for the Grand Ole Opry.
What sparked the concern?
On 7 October, Dolly’s sister Freida Parton wrote on Facebook that she’d been “up all night praying for my sister, Dolly.” She added that Dolly is “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.”
Fans immediately assumed the worst. The post came just a week after Dolly postponed her December Las Vegas residency.
Dolly clears the air.
“I know lately everybody thinks I got sicker than I am,” Parton said in the video. “Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here.”
She explained the real reason for the cancelled appearances. While caring for her husband Carl during his illness, she put off her own health maintenance. Now she’s catching up on those appointments and needs to stay close to home.
“I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease, those of ya that seemed to be real concerned, which I appreciate,” Parton said. “And I appreciate your prayers ’cause I’m a person of faith. I can always use the prayers for anything and everything.”
Sister walks back the panic.
Freida posted a clarification the next day. “I want to clear something up,” she wrote. “I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly. She’s been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer.”
The queen of country music isn’t going anywhere. She’s just taking care of herself the way she took care of Carl. At least we know she’ll always be around to remind Jolene to back off.
