On Friday night, in Dolly Parton's native East Tennessee, a rumor started circulating that Dolly had passed away of congestive heart failure. The rumor spread like wildfire, even getting to Fox News, which actually reported she had died with a news flash on the bottom of the screen. Thankfully, the rumor had no truth to it, as Dolly is alive and well and taking a break from touring at her home in Nashville. Parton's Dollywood publicist, Pete Owens, told TV station WBIR that his office, just like the TV station, had been flooded with calls. Nashville's WSMV-TV, said they have also received calls asking about Dolly's fate. Owens said he believes the rumor may have started Friday night. Apparently, a local high school announced Parton's death during its football game. Owens said he spoke with Dolly on Saturday, and she decided against releasing an official statement confirming that she is indeed alive.
