Dolly Parton shared an update on her health after postponing her Las Vegas residency last year due to “health challenges,” as well as dealing with the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in May.
Parton appeared Friday night at Dollywood’s 2026 season kickoff in Pigeon Forge, where she spoke about how grieving the loss of her husband of nearly six decades has affected her.
“I haven’t been on tour, you know,” the country music legend said during a speech at the theme park. “I’ve had some small health issues, and we’re taking good care of them.”
Barton also shared insight into what contributed to those health struggles.
“I felt kind of overwhelmed and overwhelmed, and sad about Carl and a lot of other little things going on,” she said. “I’ve gotten to the place where I need to rebuild myself spiritually, emotionally and physically.”
The Grammy winner added that “everything is good now” and that the challenges “haven’t slowed me down.”
Parton also explained that she’s been busy working on her upcoming Broadway show, which is scheduled to debut later this year, as well as musical projects including her song “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” which featured collaborations with several artists.
“I’ve been doing a lot of writing, a lot of thinking, a lot of prayer and a lot of preparing for a lot of new things to come for the rest of this entire year,” she said. “So, be prepared for me. I’m not finished, and I’m not even close to being finished.”
Parton’s appearance was a rare public outing after several cancellations over the past year, including missing the Academy Film Governors Awards in November and not attending her 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry in January.
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