Rumors About Dolly Parton's Health Have Started to Spiral — Here's the Truth

Whatever happens, we must protect Dolly Parton at all costs.

The country music icon is beloved not only for her impressive musical catalogue but also for her contributions to coronavirus research, promoting childhood literacy, providing college scholarships, supporting those affected by natural disasters, and much more. The "9 to 5" crooner is best known for making the world a better place, so it's safe to say fans are fond of her.

However, like many others in the spotlight, people do start worrying about her health. After all, Dolly has allegedly had some health issues in the past. Is Dolly Parton sick? Is she still alive? Keep reading for everything you need to know about the "Jolene" singer.

In September 2025, Dolly shared with her fans that she wasn't in good health. According to the multi-Grammy winner's Sept. 28 Instagram post, she was advised by her doctors to undergo “a few procedures,” which caused her to cancel several Las Vegas, Nev. shows.

"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 shared on Instagram. "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!"

Dolly didn't expand on what procedures she planned on having. However, she assured fans that her surgeries wouldn't keep her down, as she rescheduled her Vegas shows for September 2026.

"While I’ll still be able to work on all of my projects from here in Nashville, I just need a little time to get show ready, as they say," she quipped in her post. "And don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.”

As Dolly's true blue fans know, this isn't the first time she's opened up about her health battles. Back in 2013, the National Enquirer reported that Dolly allegedly had gotten a preventative surgery for esophagus cancer. A source said that after Dolly reportedly lost 20 pounds, the singer "knew something had to be done or she could die. Her weight was dropping dramatically, she was chugging antacid medication, and she couldn't eat anything but soft, bland foods."

However, this was never confirmed. As far as we know, Dolly is completely healthy, but this wasn't the only time people thought the singer was ill.

In 2015, Dolly had to address even more concerns and rumors about her health. This time, people were worried that the country queen had stomach cancer. Once again, the National Enquirer reported that Dolly was sick and had to be "rushed" to the hospital.

She told Billboard, "It's true that I had kidney stones. I had them removed three weeks ago and I am doing just fine!" She added, "There is absolutely no truth at all that I have stomach cancer. I love and appreciate everyone's concern."

Many celebrities are shocked when they discover that they have become the unwilling subjects of death hoaxes, and Dolly is likely no different. According to Media Mass, a post circulating on Facebook on Nov. 29, 2022, alleged that Dolly had died. Hundreds of fans immediately began to panic, writing messages of condolences and mourning.

Thankfully, reps for the songstress were quick to nip the rumors in the bud. A statement provided by Dolly's team to the outlet reads, "She joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. She's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet."

Dolly Parton isn't going anywhere anytime soon, thank heavens.