Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The 80-year-old performer shared that she has been facing health challenges while coping with the loss of her husband, Carl Dean.
Dolly Parton opened the 2026 season at Dollywood by giving fans a heartfelt update on her health, sharing how the loss of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, has affected her physically and emotionally.
During a keynote speech, the 80-year-old country legend described feeling “worn down and worn out” while coping with Dean’s passing and managing several health setbacks.
“I’ve not been touring, as you know,” Parton said, according to footage shared by local station WVLT 8. “I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of them.”
Parton reflected on the emotional strain of losing Dean, who passed away on March 3, 2025, at age 82, leaving her feeling drained. “I just got worn down grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on,” she said. “I needed to rebuild myself spiritually, emotionally, and physically. But all is good—it didn’t slow me down.”
Despite these challenges, Parton appeared cheerful as she joined Eugene Naughton, president of the Dollywood Company, on stage to celebrate the start of the park’s new season.
With her signature humor, the singer also addressed speculation about her love life. After joking that fans shouldn’t confuse Naughton for a “new husband,” Parton confirmed she hasn’t dated since Dean’s death. “I think Carl Dean’s waiting for me,” she said. “If I should show up at the pearly gates with somebody else, he would not like that. He’d be saying, ‘Who’s that little pisser? You leave him outside the gates.’”
Parton’s recent health concerns have also affected her professional plans. In September, she postponed a highly anticipated Las Vegas residency, originally set for December 2025, moving the shows to September 2026 while focusing on her well-being. A month later, she reassured fans on social media that she was doing fine, captioning a post, “I ain’t dead yet!”
The update came after the devastating loss of Dean. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” Parton wrote on social media. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
