Dolly Parton opened up about her health and well-being during a recent video, revealing that she has experienced challenges following the death of her husband, Carl Dean. The country music icon shared this update on March 13, 2025, coinciding with the opening day of Dollywood, her beloved theme park in Tennessee.
In the video, Parton acknowledged that she had been feeling “worn down” and mentioned some underlying health issues. “I’ve not been touring, as you know,” she stated. “I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of them.” Notably, she previously disclosed dealing with kidney stones in September 2023.
Parton, who lost her husband on March 3, 2025, emphasized the emotional toll of her grief. “I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on,” she explained. She further elaborated on her journey to recovery, stating, “I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally, and physically. But, all is good. It didn’t slow me down.”
As part of her update, Parton also addressed rumors about her personal life. In a light-hearted tone, she joked about not dating anyone since her husband’s passing. “I think Carl Dean’s waiting for me,” she remarked, adding, “If I should show up at the pearly gates with somebody else, he would not like that.”
Parton had previously reassured her fans about her health in an October 8, 2023, Instagram video, where she humorously remarked, “I know lately, everyone thinks I’m sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here.” She also reiterated that she had let some health matters slip during her husband’s illness, saying, “when he passed, I let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of.”
In closing, she confidently stated, “I ain’t dead yet!” capturing her resilient spirit and determination to continue engaging with her fans and pursuing her passions.
Dolly Parton’s journey through grief and health challenges resonates with many, showcasing her strength and the unwavering connection she maintains with her audience.
