Rumors circulated around the web in June 2023, that the iconic country singer, Dolly Parton, had passed away. These speculations have left fans of the 77-year-old superstar distressed and seeking confirmation about her well-being. Despite her advancing age, Parton has always maintained excellent health, becoming a symbol of vitality and longevity in the entertainment industry.

Parton has been open about her plans for retirement—or rather, her lack of such plans. In fact, she’s famously quoted saying that she would like to continue working until she literally drops dead on stage. This doesn’t imply any imminent health risks but highlights her enduring passion for music and performance. “I would never retire. I’ll just hopefully drop dead in the middle of a song onstage someday,” said Parton, reflecting her passion for her work and dedication to her fans.

The death rumors were investigated and refuted by Snopes, a well-known fact-checking platform. As of June 2023, Dolly Parton is very much alive and in good health. The rumors appear to have originated from a mix-up after Parton’s top songwriter, Cynthia Weil, passed away at the age of 82. When news of Weil’s death spread online, some fans mistakenly assumed that it was Parton who had died.

Parton took to social media to express her grief over the loss of Weil, leading to some confusion. Parton posted a heartfelt tribute to Weil, who had been instrumental in her career, writing Parton’s first million-selling song, “Here You Come Again”. The sadness and gratitude expressed in Parton’s post further fueled the misinterpretation that she herself had passed away.

In her tribute to Weil, Parton stated: “I am so sad to hear that Cynthia Weil had passed. She was one of the greatest writers of all time and I owe her such a debt of gratitude because she and her partner, Barry Mann, wrote my first million-selling song ‘Here You Come Again.’ I have always been grateful and will be eternally grateful to her. I’m sure she’ll be missed by all the ones that love her and always be appreciated for all of the wonderful music she left behind.”

The incident serves as a reminder to exercise caution and to verify facts from reliable sources before believing or sharing such significant news. Meanwhile, Parton remains active in her music career, showing no signs of slowing down. Despite the rumors, the beloved country star continues to touch hearts with her music and larger-than-life persona.