Dolly Parton speaks out on health issues in recent video: ‘I’m still going strong!’
Country music icon Dolly Parton recently took to social media to address concerns about her health, reassuring fans that she is not as sick as rumors suggest. The speculation about her well-being arose following the postponement of her Las Vegas residency and a cryptic message from her sister asking for prayers.
In a video recorded on the set of a Grand Ole Opry commercial, Parton expressed her gratitude for the prayers and concerns of her fans, stating, “I know lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here.” She emphasized that while she has been facing some health challenges, she is undergoing medical treatments near her home in Nashville.
The Grammy-winning singer did not go into specifics about her health issues but shared that she neglected her own well-being after her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, passed away in March. Parton admitted that she had let certain matters go unattended, leading to the need for medical interventions. Despite having to cancel some commitments, she assured fans that the treatments she is receiving are not major and simply necessary to ensure her health and well-being.
Rumors about Parton’s health escalated when her sister, Freida, posted on Facebook, requesting prayers for the beloved music icon. However, Freida later clarified that Parton was just feeling “a little under the weather” and that her initial message was not intended to cause alarm. Parton’s manager confirmed that she had been dealing with kidney stones but stressed that the situation had been blown out of proportion.
Parton was set to kick off a six-concert residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in December, which would have been her first extended Vegas run in over three decades. Unfortunately, she had to withdraw due to her health challenges. Despite this setback, Parton remains upbeat and optimistic, sharing a light-hearted message on Instagram about undergoing her “100,000-mile checkup.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Dolly Parton has continued to captivate audiences with her music and collaborations with renowned artists like Elton John, Debbie Harry, and Sting. Despite facing health hurdles, she remains committed to her craft and recently collaborated with the rock band Mötley Crüe. Additionally, a musical based on her life, titled “Dolly: A True Original Musical,” premiered in Nashville and aims for a Broadway debut.
In her recent Instagram post, Parton made it clear that she is not ready to slow down or retire, stating, “I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working.” As fans continue to shower her with love and support, Parton’s enduring spirit and determination shine through, reassuring everyone that she is resilient and focused on her recovery.