Dolly Parton, 79, insists she’s ‘just getting started’ despite recent health woes

She’s working “9 to 5” — and then some!

Dolly Parton sparked concern when she experienced health issues recently, but the singer insists she has no plans on slowing down.

“People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old.’ Well, so what?” Parton, 79, told People. “Look at all I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started.

“I know that sounds stupid, but unless my health gives way, which right now I seem to be doing fine…” Parton continued. “I think there’s a lot to be said about age. If you allow yourself to get old, you will. I say, ‘I ain’t got time to get old!’ I ain’t got time to dwell on that. That’s not what I’m thinking about.”

In September, the “Jolene” singer postponed her Las Vegas residency due to “health challenges.”

Parton announced the news via Instagram, sharing that she had to undergo a “few procedures” as per her doctor’s orders.

The following month, Parton’s sister, Frieda, asked the public to pray for her famous sibling’s health.

“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately,” Freida wrote via Facebook alongside a photo of Dolly.

“I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me.”

Freida continued, “She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!”

She later clarified her comments, explaining that she hadn’t meant to “scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly. She’s been a little under the weather.”

The “Steel Magnolias” star made fun of the situation by posting a video of herself and captioning the Instagram clip, “I ain’t dead yet!”

In the clip, Parton explained that she wanted to address her medical issues head-on as “everybody thinks that I’m sicker than I am.”

“Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here,” she continued. “I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease. Those that seemed to be real concerned, which I appreciate, and I appreciate your prayers.”

The Grammy winner explained that she’s only competing against herself.

“I’m not trying to outdo anybody except me. I just want to be my best self at all times and try to improve every day,” she said. “It wasn’t about just being rich; it was about being successful at what I love to do. Dreams nor wishes come true without a lot of hard work.”