Reba McIntyre has made headlines recently, criticizing artificial intelligence after fake photos circulated, suggesting Dolly Parton had passed away. This prompted McIntyre, 70, to defend her friend.
In a video shared on Instagram on Thursday, McIntyre addressed the rumors directly: “Dolly, tell them,” she urged. “Because of that AI mess, we have all kinds of ridiculous things happening. You’re out there, and I’m—I’m having a baby here.”
“Well, we both know you’re too young and I’m too old for that nonsense,” McIntyre joked, tagging the 79-year-old Parton. Despite the absurdity, McIntyre took a moment to express her concern for Parton, who has been facing health challenges that worry fans.
“But please know that I’m praying for you. I love you with all my heart and can’t wait to see you soon,” she added. “I love you!” McIntyre wrapped up the video with a light-hearted comment: “Too old to die, too young to have a baby.”
Concerns about Parton’s health arose after she postponed a scheduled appearance in Las Vegas on September 28, stating she was “dealing with some health issues” that required medical procedures.
Things escalated when Parton’s sister, Frieda, made a Facebook post requesting prayers for Parton, generating additional worry among fans.
Later, Frieda clarified that her comments were not meant to be alarming, and Parton took to Instagram to ease fears about her well-being.
“I know everyone thinks I’m sicker than I am these days,” Parton stated. “Do I look sick? I’m working hard here!”
She expressed gratitude for the prayers but noted, with a sense of humor, that she’d neglected her own health since the passing of her husband, Karl Dean, in March. This realization prompted her to admit that she had let many things slide.
In response to an AI-generated image showing her in a hospital bed and McIntyre by her side, Parton laughed it off, saying, “Did you see that photo of Reba and me that AI made? Oh my god, it looked like we both needed to be buried.”
Parton further added, “If I was really dying, I don’t think Reba would be on my deathbed. She might come visit me sooner.”
And regarding McIntyre’s comments about the “AI mess,” she was referencing another viral fake image that depicted McIntyre and her fiancé, Rex Lynn, with an ultrasound, suggesting she was pregnant.
