Dolly Parton: 'I Ain't Dead Yet!'

Country music legend Dolly Parton has reassured fans that she's "alive and kicking" after an outpouring of concern sparked by her sister's online plea for prayers sent social media into overdrive.

The 79-year-old 'Jolene' singer took to Instagram on Wednesday with a trademark touch of humour, declaring, "I ain't dead yet!" in a video aimed at quelling rumours about her health.

Wearing a radiant smile and speaking from what appeared to be a photo studio, Parton told fans, "There are just a lot of rumours flying around, but I figured if you heard it from me, you'd know that I was okay. I'm not ready to die yet. I don't think God is through with me, and I ain't done working."

The post came a day after her younger sister, Freida Parton, unintentionally sparked a frenzy with an emotional Facebook message asking followers to pray for Dolly, who recently postponed several Las Vegas shows due to unspecified "health challenges."

"Many of you know she hasn't been feeling her best lately," Freida wrote. "I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been led to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me."

Fans immediately feared the worst, flooding social media with messages of concern and speculation about the country icon's condition. Sensing the alarm, Freida later clarified her remarks, assuring everyone that the situation was "not so serious."

"It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister," she explained in a follow-up post. "I didn't mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious. She's strong, she's loved, and I know in my heart she's going to be just fine."

Dolly, for her part, confirmed she had cancelled upcoming engagements to focus on her health and to remain close to home for treatment. "Nothing major," she said. "But I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home for medical care. I know lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I'm working hard here."

She added that she had been "neglecting herself" since the death of her long-time husband but was now prioritising recovery. "Those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate - and I appreciate your prayers, because I'm a person of faith - I can always use the prayers. But I want you to know that I'm okay."

Parton, whose glittering career began in the 1970s with hits like 'Coat of Many Colors' and 'I Will Always Love You', remains one of the most beloved figures in American music. She had been due to perform six sold-out nights at Caesars Palace in December but has rescheduled them for next September.

The Queen of Country is also set to receive an honorary Oscar next month, though industry outlet Variety reports she may not attend the Los Angeles ceremony. Still, as she reminded her fans with characteristic grit and good humour: "I ain't done working — and I sure as heck ain't dead yet."