Dolly Parton has reassured fans she is not dying, after her sister Freida sparked concern by asking for prayers. The 79-year-old singer posted a video on October 8 from a studio, saying: 'I ain't dead yet!'
In the clip, Parton said: 'Lately everybody thinks that I am sick. Do I look sick to you? I wanted to put everybody's mind at ease. I'm okay. I've got some problems... Nothing major, but I did have to cancel some things to be closer to home. I'm having a few treatments here and there, but I wanted you to know that I'm not dying.'
The star also addressed a fake AI image of her with Reba McEntire, joking: 'They had Reba at my deathbed, and we both looked like we needed to be buried.' She added: 'I don't think God is through with me and I ain't done working.'
Parton recently postponed six shows from her Las Vegas residency. Her sister Freida had posted on Facebook asking fans to pray, writing: 'Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. Many of you know she hasn't been feeling her best lately.' After fans panicked, Freida clarified Parton was recovering from severe kidney stones.
Another sister, Stella, also addressed the situation, telling followers: 'My sister Freida is always concerned when one of her siblings isn't feeling well so she ask for prayers on Dolly's behalf.' She criticised those demanding information, saying: 'Don't come at me with questions or insults.'
A representative from Parton's management confirmed the health issue was kidney stones, adding that a sister's post 'got quite a bit blown out of proportion'.
