Dolly Parton Marks Her 80th Birthday With a Fire Extinguisher in Playful Photos Following a Health Scare

Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday in signature fashion — with humor, sparkle, and a gentle wink at recent health concerns. The country legend marked the milestone by sharing a playful series of photos on Instagram, including one unforgettable shot of her using a fire extinguisher to put out the blazing candles on a butterfly-shaped birthday cake.

The carousel showed Parton beaming beside the elaborate cake, candles glowing brightly in honor of the occasion. In the final image, she’s seen extinguishing the flames, captioning the post simply with a cake emoji — a lighthearted nod to being “too hot to handle” at 80.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Parton reflected on the milestone with her trademark optimism. “People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old.’ Well, so what?” she said. “Look at all I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started. Unless my health gives way — and right now, I seem to be doing fine.”

The birthday celebration comes after a period of concern for fans. In late 2025, Parton postponed several Las Vegas performances due to medical issues, prompting speculation after her sister Freida asked for prayers on social media. Freida later clarified that Parton was simply “a little under the weather” and did not intend to alarm anyone.

Parton herself addressed the rumors directly in an Instagram video, reassuring fans with her trademark candor. “I wanted you to know that I’m not dying,” she said. “I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working.”

Despite stepping back from some public appearances — including a Hall of Fame induction and accepting an honorary Oscar remotely — Parton has remained active, grateful, and forward-looking. Her birthday message, filled with humor and resilience, was a reminder that at 80, Dolly Parton is still very much in motion — and still lifting spirits along the way.