Music icon Dolly Parton continues to be dogged by speculation about her health as she nears another major milestone.

Fans feared another setback for the country singer after she confirmed this week she would not be at the Grand Ole Opry party on January 17 to celebrate her 80th birthday.

But despite missing some appearances in recent months and an alarming post from her sister, a new social media post suggested she’s still going strong.

In a video posted on the Opry’s social media, Parton thanked fans and wished them “the best night ever”.

“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.”

Parton turns 80 on January 19.

Despite speculation, a spokesperson for Parton said there was never a plan for the singer to attend the event and that she is not involved in the annual “Opry Goes Dolly”.

In an Instagram Story posted by Parton on Tuesday, the Jolene singer shared a cryptic image teasing her fans.

The image showed Parton from behind, with a guitar slung over her shoulder in front of a scenic shot of hazy mountains or rolling hills, with the sun shining through a cloudy sky.

“Something new is on the horizon.” Parton added, “Comment DOLLY to find out first.”

Parton posted a cryptic message ahead of her birthday.. Photo: Dolly Parton

Last month Parton announced the tour, Threads: My Songs in Symphony, would expand to additional cities in 2026.

While the singer does not personally perform during the tour, but it is based on her story and music.

It was also recently announced that Parton has collaborated with the Tennessean Travel Stop’s truck stops to revive and expand its rest stops with Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stops.

Parton is also on the new cover of the 2026 Tennessee Vacation Guide, according to the state Department of Tourist Development.

Opry Goes Dolly will honour Parton’s “iconic ‘80s era” and feature performances by Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent and more.

The Opry promises fans a day of “song and fun” even without Parton in attendance. The event will feature a Dolly impersonator, Dolly-themed drinks and birthday cupcakes on Opry House tours.

Health concerns for the singer have persisted since she postponed her Las Vegas concert residency in September due to medical procedures in mid 2025.

Parton 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”.

Her sister later sparked concern about the severity of these issues by asking fans to pray for Parton.

Addressing fans in an October 8 video on Instagram, Parton clarified she was doing “OK” but had “some problems” to deal with and needed to have 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.