Trending 
Dolly Parton has reassured fans she is very much alive after a health scare sparked by her sister’s social media post. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the 79-year-old country music icon declared, “I ain’t dead yet!” while thanking the public for their concern.
In a video shared from what appeared to be a photo studio, Parton addressed the swirling rumours about her health, insisting she was not at death’s door. “There are just a lot of rumors flying around, but I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was okay,” she said. “I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working.”
The reassurance came a day after her sister, Freida Parton, prompted alarm among fans by asking for worldwide prayers for Dolly, citing recent health challenges. “Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately,” Freida wrote on Facebook.
Parton had recently delayed Las Vegas shows due to unspecified health issues and disclosed that she would undergo multiple medical procedures. However, she appeared in good spirits in her Instagram video, noting that she had been underestimating her recovery. “Nothing major. But I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home,” she explained. “I want you to know that I’m not dying.”
She added that she had neglected her own health following the death of her long-time husband but is now receiving treatment. “Those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate, I can always use the prayers for anything and everything, but I want you to know that I’m okay,” Parton said.
Parton, who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits including “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You” — later famously covered by Whitney Houston — is set to receive an honorary Oscar next month, although she is reportedly no longer expected to attend the ceremony in Los Angeles.
