Dolly Parton Speaks Amid Health Rumors: “I’m Not Ready to Die Yet”
Recently, updates about legendary singer Dolly Parton’s health have sparked a global wave of concern and speculation. After her sister, Freida Parton, posted on social media asking everyone to pray because Dolly was “not feeling well,” rumors swirled that the icon was battling a serious illness. In response, Dolly has publicly addressed the issue, providing clarity and firmly stating that she is “not ready to die yet.”
The Nervous Spark
On October 7, 2025, Freida Parton shared a Facebook post, saying she had stayed up all night praying for her sister, citing that many knew Dolly “hasn’t been feeling her best lately.” This message quickly went viral and triggered concern among fans and media alike. However, Freida later clarified that she had no intention of alarming people, and that Dolly was only “a little under the weather” — not in a life-threatening state.
Prior to this, in late September, Dolly announced a postponement of her Las Vegas residency, citing health challenges and medical procedures recommended by her doctors.
Dolly’s Statement: “I’m Okay — Just Need Time to Recover”
In a video posted to Instagram (and accompanying social media), Dolly appears on camera and states:
“Lately, everybody seems to think I’m sicker than I am … I just wanted to put your minds at ease.”
“I’m not ready to die. I don’t think God is done with me — and I ain’t done working.”
She goes on to share that during her late husband Carl Dean’s prolonged illness, and then following his death in March 2025, she neglected to take proper care of her own health. Doctors have since flagged various issues, prompting her to cancel some commitments so that she could stay closer to home and to Vanderbilt, where she is undergoing minor treatments.
With a touch of humor, she also addressed a circulating AI-generated image portraying her on her “deathbed” alongside Reba McEntire, joking that if she were truly near death, Reba likely would not have waited until that moment to visit.
She firmly denies that the postponement of her Vegas shows is a sign of retirement: “Don’t worry about me quitting — God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.” Her postponed shows are now rescheduled for September 2026, and existing tickets will remain valid or refundable.
Confirmed Health Details
While Dolly has avoided stating serious diagnoses, management sources confirm that she has been treated for kidney stones — a condition that can cause discomfort or infection if left untreated. Reports also link this to her cancellation of an event at Dollywood, due to complications from stones and a related infection.
But there is no evidence to support claims of life-threatening disease such as cancer or terminal illness. Dolly describes her condition as “nothing major,” needing rest, treatment, and time to recuperate.
Fan and Public Reaction
Following her statement, fans expressed relief and continued to send messages of support and prayers. Freida’s original post, though it caused panic, is now largely being viewed as a heartfelt gesture by a concerned sister.
In the wake of Dolly’s postponement, country star Tim McGraw has agreed to fill some of her December Vegas dates, helping keep the show schedule active while cutting pressure from Dolly during recovery. This substitution offers a practical solution that maintains momentum in the event series and buys Dolly time to heal.
Conclusion
The 2025 health saga of Dolly Parton is a compelling example of how rumors, concern, and public perception can spiral — and how a public figure can reclaim the narrative. Though she is undergoing treatments (notably for kidney stones) and recovering from a period of neglect to her own health, there is no verified sign she is in a dire medical state. She remains resolute, declaring she’s not ready to go, and that she still has much more she wants to accomplish. In doing so, Dolly demonstrates a powerful lesson about agency over one’s image and the importance of transparency in times of doubt.