Dolly Parton shared an update on her health after postponing last year’s Las Vegas residency due to “health challenges,” as well as coping with the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in May.
Parton made an appearance Friday night at the kickoff of Dollywood’s 2026 season in Pigeon Forge, where she opened up about how the grief of losing her husband of nearly six decades had taken a toll on her.
“I’ve been not touring, as you know,” the country music legend said during a keynote speech at the theme park. “I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of them.”
Parton also shared insight into what contributed to those health struggles.
“I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on,” she said. “I just got myself kind of where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally and physically.”
The Grammy winner added that now “all is good” and that the challenges “didn’t slow me down.”
Parton also explained that she has been busy working on her upcoming Broadway show set to debut later this year, as well as music projects including her song “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” which featured collaborations with several artists.
“I’ve just been doing a lot of writing, a lot of thinking, a lot of praying and a lot of getting ready for a lot of new stuff coming up for the rest of this whole year,” she said. “So, be ready for me. I ain’t done, I ain’t near done.”
Parton’s appearance marked a rare public outing after several cancellations over the past year, including missing the Film Academy’s Governors Awards in November and not attending her 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry in January.
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