Country music legend Dolly Parton is continuing to reassure fans she remains active as she approaches her 80th birthday, despite renewed speculation about her health following recent missed appearances.
Concerns resurfaced this week after Parton confirmed she would not attend a Grand Ole Opry celebration on January 17 marking her milestone birthday.
Fans had feared another setback for the singer, who turns 80 on January 19, after she missed several events in recent months.
However, in a video shared on the Opry’s social media channels, Parton appeared in good spirits as she addressed fans directly.
“I just wanted to say how much it means to me that you’re all coming together again this year to celebrate my big ol’ birthday,” she said.
“I wish I could be there in person, but I’ll be sending you all my love for sure.” She also wished attendees “the best night ever”.
Despite the speculation, a spokesperson for Parton said there had never been plans for her to attend the annual Opry Goes Dolly event and confirmed she is not involved in organising it.
The celebration will instead honour Parton’s “iconic ‘80s era” with performances by Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent and others.
Parton also sparked fresh interest earlier this week with a cryptic Instagram Story.
The image showed the singer from behind, a guitar slung over her shoulder, standing in front of mountains, with the caption “something new is on the horizon,” Parton wrote, adding: “Comment DOLLY to find out first.”
The post follows several recent announcements pointing to continued projects. Last month, Parton revealed her orchestral tour concept, Threads: My Songs in Symphony, would expand to additional cities in 2026.
While Parton does not perform during the tour, it is based on her life story and music.
She has also partnered with Tennessean Travel Stops to revive and expand rest stops, and is featured on the cover of the 2026 Tennessee Vacation Guide.
Health concerns have persisted since Parton postponed her Las Vegas concert residency in September due to medical procedures undertaken in mid-2025.
She later told fans that after her husband died earlier in the year, she “didn’t take care of” herself and “let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of”.
Speculation intensified after Parton’s sister asked fans to pray for her. Addressing the issue in an October 8 Instagram video, Parton said she was doing “OK” but was undergoing “a few treatments”, adding: “I ain’t dead yet!”
Parton was inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Hall of Fame in November but was unable to attend due to health issues.
Images: Instagram
