Dolly Parton Dead? Internet Rumors Run Wild

Rumors of Dolly Parton's Death Eerily Similar to Those Preceding Bernie Mac's Death

The internet is abuzz this morning with stories of Dolly Parton's death. According to several articles and blogs, Dolly Parton's death occurred due to congestive heart failure. Although the reports are frequently attributed to Fox News, Fox's website does not relay that information. If Dolly Parton's death is indeed true, we should expect a formal statement from her publicist shortly. There is no reason to cover up an event of this magnitude. If, as is more likely, the rumors are just that, an official statement will most likely be made and a personal appearance by Dolly Parton should be expected. Parton was most recently seen in public on August 8^th performing at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. She appeared in perfect health at that time.

Earlier this morning, Dolly Parton's public relations agent, Pete Owens announced unofficially that Parton was alive and well. Owens has been inundated with requests for comment and believes that the rumors started when a local football team erroneously announced Parton's death during a football game. According to Owens, Dolly Parton has declined to make an official statement.

Although it is likely that the rumors surrounding Dolly Parton's death are not true, the details are eerily similar to the rumors surrounding the health and death of Bernie Mac. For three weeks prior to Mac's actual death on August 9^th from complications of pneumonia, internet reports abounded speculating that Bernie Mac had died. Up until the date of his death, Bernie Mac's publicist maintained that his health issues were minor and that a full recovery was expected. Dolly Parton has had no publicly reported recent illnesses or hospital stays that would lead to a similar conclusion.

If the rumors of Dolly Parton's death are not true, I can imagine what Dolly Parton feels seeing reports of her death. It would be a frightening harbinger, knowing that someday it will in fact be true. I know that being faced with the possibility of one's imminent death causes people to re-evaluate their life. I certainly hope that Dolly Parton is alive and well and laughs off the rumors of her early demise.