Dolly Parton is opening up about her health again, and true to form, she is refusing to slow down completely.
The 80-year-old country music legend has revealed that she is still dealing with health issues, many of which she says she did not pay enough attention to while caring for her late husband, Carl Dean, before his death in March 2025.
Speaking to People, Dolly acknowledged that it has been a difficult period physically, but made it clear that she is continuing to work while she recovers. “I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’,” she said, while also joking about how quickly health rumours can spread in the age of social media and AI.
Dolly Parton Says She Put Her Own Health Aside
Dolly explained that some of her current health concerns were issues she had overlooked while focusing on Carl during the later years of his life. She also reflected on an earlier health struggle in the 1980s, when what she described as “female issues” left her unwell for several months.
More recently, Dolly has experienced dizziness and dehydration. Earlier this month, she was forced to miss the opening of the new NightFlight Expedition attraction at Dollywood after her doctor advised her not to travel. Instead, she appeared through a video message and assured fans that she was doing better.
Her health concerns have also affected other appearances. Dolly recently accepted the ACM Honors Poet’s Award virtually and has previously postponed professional commitments while undergoing treatment.
Dolly Is Still Keeping Busy
Healing, however, certainly does not seem to mean retirement.
Dolly is preparing for the opening of the Life of Many Colors Museum in downtown Nashville, a major new exhibition dedicated to her career and legacy. The museum will be located in the same building as her upcoming SongTeller Hotel, which is scheduled to open in September 2026.
She also revealed that her team is in the early stages of developing avatar performances, potentially giving fans a new way to experience her music and stage presence in the future.
Between the museum, hotel, music projects and other ventures, Dolly clearly still has plenty on her plate.
For fans concerned about her recent health setbacks, her latest message is reassuring but realistic: she may still be recovering, but Dolly Parton is very much still Dolly Parton — working, creating and looking ahead.
