Dolly Parton Health Update: 'I'm Not Ready to Die Yet'

Country music icon Dolly Parton is reassuring fans that despite recent health challenges, she's far from done with her legendary career. The 79-year-old superstar addressed ongoing health concerns in a series of heartfelt messages after missing major award ceremonies this month, including her honorary Oscar acceptance.

Missing the Spotlight for Health Reasons

In a video posted to Dollywood's Instagram on November 19, Parton explained her absence from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Hall of Fame ceremony held in Orlando. "I sure wish I could be with you in person today," she said, "but you probably heard that I’ve been dealing with a few health challenges this fall, and my doctors told me to take it easy for just a little while."

Her video came just one day after she missed the Academy Governors Awards in Los Angeles, where she received an honorary Oscar for her contributions to film music. This follows her postponed Las Vegas performances in September, when she initially revealed "health challenges" requiring "a few procedures."

Addressing the Rumors Head-On

Parton took to social media in October to counter growing speculation about her condition. After her sister Freida Parton publicly asked for prayers for Dolly, the "Jolene" singer responded with a characteristically spirited message: "Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here!"

"There’s just a lot of rumors flying around," Parton clarified. "But I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was OK."

Clad in her signature red fringe top during the October video, Parton revealed she was undergoing treatments near her Nashville home at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She acknowledged that health issues had worsened during her late husband Carl Dean’s long illness, which ended with his death in March at 82.

A Positive Outlook and Faith

Throughout her health journey, Parton has maintained an unwavering positive attitude and deep faith. "I let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of," she reflected, while emphasizing that she has "nothing major" wrong with her health.

With characteristic humor, she quipped about her postponed procedures: "As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!"

The Queen of Resilience

Concluding her November message with trademark determination, Parton declared: "I’m not ready to die yet, and I don’t think God is through with me and I ain’t done working." She expressed gratitude for fans' prayers while promising continued productivity: "So I love you for caring and keep praying for me."

As the beloved co-owner of Dollywood and global music icon, Parton's resilience continues to inspire. With doctors' approval for a temporary slowdown, fans can expect more of her signature sparkle and generosity once she completes her "little while" of rest.