Dolly Parton has spoken out after facing 'health challenges' that led to the postponement of her Las Vegas residency. In a video shared on Instagram, the country music icon reassured fans that she is not seriously ill.
'Well, today's October 8th, and obviously I'm here doing some commercials for the Grand Ole Opry,' Parton said in the video, dressed in a country-western outfit. 'Do I look sick to you? I'm working hard here.' She added that she wanted to 'put everybody's mind at ease' following reports about her health.
Parton explained that she had neglected her own wellbeing while caring for her late husband, Carl, who passed away after a long illness. 'When he passed, I didn't take care of myself, so I let a lot of things go that I should have been taken care of,' she said. Her doctor advised her to address the issues, but she stressed it was 'nothing major' and that she is 'not dying.'
The singer's sister, Freida Parton, had earlier asked for prayers, sparking concern. Freida later clarified on Facebook: 'I didn't mean to scare anyone... She's been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer.'
On September 28, Parton announced on social media that she would postpone her Las Vegas concerts due to needing 'a few procedures.' She joked it was 'time for my 100,000-mile check-up' and assured fans she is not quitting show business: 'God hasn't said anything about stopping yet.'
