Dolly Parton has reassured fans that she's "okay" amid rumours about her health

In a video message posted on Instagram, Dolly - who has been shooting some commercials for the Grand Ole Opry - explained: "Everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am."

The chart-topping star added: "Do I look sick to you? I'm working hard here!

"Anyway, I wanted to put everybody's mind at ease, those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate. I appreciate your prayers, 'cause I'm a person of faith. I can always use the prayers for anything and everything. But I want you to know that I'm okay."

Dolly explained that some of her "problems" were linked to the aftermath of losing Carl Dean, her husband, in March.

The 9 to 5 hitmaker said: "Back when my husband Carl was very sick, that was for a long time, and then when he passed, I didn't take care of myself, so I let a lot of things go that I should've been taking care of.

"So anyway, when I got around to it, the doctor said, we need to take care of this. We need to take care of that. Nothing major, but I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home, closer to Vanderbilt [University Medical Center], where I'm kind of having a few treatments here and there, but I wanted you to know that I'm not dying."

Dolly explained that she was keen to address the speculation and joked that she's "not ready to die yet".

She said: "There's just a lot of rumours flying around, but I figured if you heard it from me, you'd know that I was okay. So anyhow, that's what I wanted to say and 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."