Parton posed with a fire extinguisher in a round of images honoring her 80th birthday.

Dolly Parton celebrates 80th birthday with new photos after recent health issues

Parton posed with a fire extinguisher in a round of images honoring her 80th birthday.

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January 19, 2026 10:54 a.m. ET

Dolly Parton in May 2025. Credit:

Jason Kempin/Getty

- Dolly Parton rang in her 80th birthday with a new round of comical photos.

- Parton previously revealed various health issues led to the cancellation of some concerts.

- The industry icon later clarified speculation that she was gravely ill after her sister called for prayers.**

Dolly Parton is nearly too hot to handle on her 80th birthday, as the iconic singer-songwriter shared a new round of celebratory photos — including one of her extinguishing a flaming cake — after her recent health issues.

The entertainer rang in her birthday Monday on Instagram with a carousel of new images, each showing the 80-year-old posing with a butterfly-shaped cake adorned with candles celebrating the big day.

In the last image, Parton can be seen using a fire extinguisher to douse a large flame atop the candles. She captioned the post with a simple cake emoji.

"People say, 'Well, you're going to be 80 years old.’ Well, so what? Look at all I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started," Parton told **'s sister publication, PEOPLE, in an interview about her milestone birthday. "I know that sounds stupid, but unless my health gives way, which right now I seem to be doing fine."

Dolly Parton speaks in Nashville in June 2024.

Jason Kempin/Getty

Parton's birthday post came months after the "Jolene" and "9 to 5" performer postponed a series of Las Vegas concerts in late 2025 due to medical issues.

The legendary entertainer's sister, Freida, sparked concerns for Parton's condition in October after she shared a social media plea for fans to pray for her sibling.

Freida eventually clarified online that she "didn't mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly," and that Parton was simply "a little under the weather" at the time.

Parton eventually shared a video to Instagram showing herself working in front of a green screen, telling fans, "I wanted you to know that I'm not dying. I'm not ready to die yet. I don't think God is through with me and I ain't done working. So I love you for caring and keep praying for me."

Dolly Parton to miss 80th birthday celebration at Grand Ole Opry: 'I wish I could be there in person'

Dolly Parton shares Thanksgiving message amid ongoing health issues: 'So thankful'

In November, Parton shared another hopeful message with her fans on Thanksgiving, thanking them for their support throughout the year.

Also that month, Parton missed an induction ceremony at the annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions convention's Hall of Fame event, where she was honored for her work with the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.

"I sure wish I could be with you in person today, but you probably heard that I’ve been dealing with a few health challenges this fall and my doctors told me to take it easy for just a little while, and I’m truly sorry I can’t be there. I sure wanted to take the change to say thank you for this incredible honor," Parton said of the event in an Instagram video message.

Earlier, in September, Parton additionally missed a Dollywood press conference over a bout with a kidney stone that caused "a little problem," she said in a pre-recorded video message at the event, which also saw the park announce its upcoming $50 million NightFlight roller coaster/water ride hybrid attraction set to open later this year.

Parton's absence from IAAPA followed her previously announced decision not to accept her honorary Oscar in person at the Academy's 2025 Governors Awards. She instead accepted the honorary Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award remotely from Tennessee.

Dolly Parton attends Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs In Symphony premiere on March 20, 2025, in Nashville.

Jason Kempin/Getty

Positioned next to her Oscar, Parton filmed a video message that played for attendees at the Academy event, in which she expressed gratitude toward her* 9 to 5* costar Lily Tomlin, who gave an introductory speech ahead of Parton's presentation.

"I've been blessed more than I ever dreamed possible," Parton said in the clip. "It's an honor just to be considered, but to receive this, that's the blessing of a lifetime. I don't take this kind of thing lightly. It makes me want to dream up new ways to help lift people up. Isn't that what we're supposed to be here for? From my heart, to yours, I truly thank you."

Parton also recently lost her husband of over 60 years, Carl Dean, in early 2025.

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