Legendary country star Dolly Parton has been forced to recently quell health scare fears, telling fans she is not sick or suffering from anything serious. In a video posted to social media, the beloved country music icon got candid about her long-standing health issues. She wanted to let her fans know and future fans that she is “doing alright!” The statement follows an alarming Facebook post by her sister, Freida Parton, asking fans to pray for Dolly, raising fears among fans that something was terribly wrong.
Freida Parton explained that her sister is the equivalent of just being “a little under the weather,” not gravely ill. She adjusted her comments from a few days ago, when she didn’t mean to scare people about Dolly. “I have a very strong faith in the power of prayer,” Freida told TMZ, urging fans to pray along with her for Dolly’s speedy recovery.
Dolly Parton’s health problems stem from kidney stones. She has been getting treated at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she required to stay in close proximity for continuous care. Her withdrawal caused quite a stir since, on Thursday, Sept. 28, she withdrew her upcoming Las Vegas residency. This decision raised alarm among her supporters given her known medical conditions.
In a short Instagram video, Dolly spoke to the matter head on. “As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures,” she said. She joked about her need for a check-up, stating, “As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!”
The video did much more than soothe her supporters, though it gave the public a clear picture of her recent whirlwind schedule. Dolly let slip that she’s been hard at work filming new commercials for the Grand Ole Opry. There, she thanked supporters not only for getting her the win, but for the concern they showed. “I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease, those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate,” she remarked.
Dolly Parton has openly acknowledged that she has not prioritized her health during the illness of her late husband, Carl Dean. Today, the artist is prioritizing her own health, and the return should be no exception. This is a huge departure for someone long lauded for her tireless work ethic and devotion to her base.
