Dolly Parton issues fiery statement on health problems amid 'prayers' call

Dolly Parton has reassured fans she 'isn't dying' and that God isn't 'through with her yet' in a charming new video update.

The country star worried fans when she postponed her December Las Vegas residency over health concerns last week.

Her sister, Freida Parton, said she'd been 'up all night' praying for Parton, but quickly reassured fans the singer was just 'a little under the weather'.

"I didn't mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers," Freida said.

Now, Parton has taken matters into her own hands with a witty social media video shared on Wednesday (October 8).

In full glam, she addressed fans while shooting a TV commercial.

"Do I look sick to you? I'm working hard here!" she laughed.

Parton said she appreciated everyone's concerns and prayers, adding: "I could always use the prayers for anything and everything."

She then gave a little more context around her health problems, adding that she had some 'issues' from when her late husband, Carl Dean, was sick.

Dean, Parton's husband of almost six decades, was unwell for an extended period before he died in March at the age of 82.

"When he passed, I didn't take care of myself so I let a lot of things go that I should've been taking care of," Parton said in the new video.

When she 'got around to it', doctors said there were some things that needed taking care of but 'nothing major'.

The 'Jolene' hitmaker wanted to stay closer to home and Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville where she's undergoing 'a few treatments'.

"I'm not dying!" she reiterated.

AI deathbed photo

Parton also addressed an usual AI photo that had been circulating online.

The image reportedly showed fellow country star and actress Reba McEntire visiting the 'Islands in the Stream' singer on her deathbed.

"Did you see that AI picture of Reba and me? Oh lordy!" Parton exclaimed.

"I mean, they had Reba at my death bed and we both looked like we need to be buried," she laughed.

"But I thought, oh my lord, but if I was really dying, I don’t think Reba would be the one at my death bed," she laughed, adding: "She might come visit me earlier."

Parton wanted to reassure fans herself amid the 'rumors flying around', as she fiercely concluded: "I'm not ready to die yet, I don't think God is through with me - and I ain't done working!"

Rescheduled Las Vegas dates

Parton initially revealed she was needing 'a few procedures' via an Instagram statement last week.

She joked it wasn't 'the usual trip' to see her plastic surgeon.

"In all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see," she added.

"You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you."

Parton said she's still able to work on projects from Nashville, but just needs 'a little time to get show ready, as they say'.

The country star went on to quash any fears of her retirement, adding: "Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. But, I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you."

Parton's Las Vegas shows are now due to take place between September 17 and September 26, 2026.

Original tickets are valid for the new dates and refunds will be available.

Dolly, who shot to fame with her 1967 hit 'Dumb Blonde', has previously played nearly 50 shows in Sin City.

Her last extended run was in 1993 at The Mirage.

Parton's last major tour was the North American Pure & Simple Tour, which ran from June to December 2016.

She has made occasional special appearances, including the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and a performance at CMA Fest in Nashville last June.

One of her most recent performances was this March, for Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs In Symphony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, also in Nashville.