Dolly Parton Quashes Health Rumors: ‘I Am Not Dying’
Michael Foust
Audio By Carbonatix
By Michael Foust, Crosswalk.com
A lively and humorous Dolly Parton released a new video this week, addressing health rumors and quipping that she's "not dying" while encouraging fans to keep her in their prayers. Parton shared the video on her social media accounts roughly a week after postponing her Las Vegas concert series for health reasons and shortly after her sister sparked fresh rumors by posting a prayer request for her sibling.
In the video, Parton is seen on the set of a studio, recording commercials for the Grand Ole Opry.
"Everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you?" said, smiling.
"I'm working hard here. Anyway, I wanted to put everybody's mind at ease. Those of you that seem to be real concerned—which I appreciate, and I appreciate your prayers, because I'm a person of faith. I can always use the prayers for anything and everything.
"But I want you to know that I'm okay."
RELATED: Dolly Parton Reveals 'Health Challenges' but Says God Isn't Done with Her Yet
Parton acknowledged she was battling health problems—issues she said she had ignored while caring for her late husband, Carl—but said they're treatable.
"I didn't take care of myself, so I let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of," she said.
"The doctor said, 'We need to take care of this, we need to take care of that.' Nothing major. But I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home, closer to Vanderbilt," she added, referencing her medical facility.
"I'm kind of having a few treatments here and there, but I wanted you to know that I'm not dying."
Parton then joked about an AI image circulating on social media of country artist Reba McEntire visiting her on her deathbed.
"We both looked like we need to be buried," Parton said, laughing about the fake picture.
"...But anyway, there's just a lot of rumors flying around, but I figured if you heard it from me, you'd know that I was okay. So anyhow, that's what I wanted to say, and I'm not ready to die yet. I don't think God is through with me, and I ain't done working, so I love you for caring—and keep praying for me."
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
