Dolly Parton gave a keynote speech on Friday at the opening day of her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, during which she gave an update about her health and her life following the death of her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean.
“I’ve not been touring, as you know,” Parton said in a video of the speech recorded by WVLT 8 (via People). “I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of them.”
After postponing shows in Vegas and skipping the Governors Awards, some began to worry about the country legend’s declining health. The rumors were further stoked when Parton’s sister, Freida, wrote on social media that she had been “praying all night” for her sister’s recovery. But, in October 2025, Parton posted her own message on Instagram, assuring fans that she is fine.
“Everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here!” Parton said in the video. “I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease. … There are just a lot of rumors flying around, but I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was OK. … I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me and I ain’t done working.”
Later in her keynote, Parton explained that her minor medical issues were compounded by the death of Dean. But now, just over a year later, she said she is starting to recover.
“I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on,” she added. “I just got myself kind of where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally, and physically. But, all is good. It didn’t slow me down.”
Dean, who mostly stayed out of the spotlight despite fan fascination, died on March 3. He was 82. Parton announced his death in an Instagram post, writing, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
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