The last year was a little rough on Dolly Parton.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The "Jolene" singer's husband of 59 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025. In the months that followed, she has been focusing on her own health, which led to her absence from several events and the postponement of her upcoming Las Vegas residency, originally scheduled for 2025.
"I wanted to say, I know lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I'm working hard here," she said to fans on social media. "Anyway, I wanted to put everybody's mind at ease, those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate. And I appreciate your prayers because I'm a person of faith... But I want you to know that I'm okay."
Then, last week, Parton shared that she wouldn't be attending her 80th birthday show at the Grand Ole Opry on Jan. 17.
"I wish I could be there in person, but I'll be sending you all my love for sure," Parton said in a video message. "So you have the best night ever."
Yet, despite all this, Parton has begun teasing a new project. We'll share everything we know below.
Dolly Parton Can't and Won't Stop
In an Instagram Story posted today, Jan. 12, Parton shared a photo of herself from the back, with a guitar over her shoulder. In the background is a shot of some mountains, and the sun is shining through a dark sky.
The words over the photo read, "Something new is on the horizon. Comment DOLLY to find out first."
While it's not entirely clear what this new project could be, Parton did share that her "Threads: My Songs in Symphony" tour would be coming to other cities this year. While she doesn't appear at these shows, it is based on her story and music, keeping her creative influence present.
Moreover, Parton's smiling face also graces the cover of Tennessee's Official 2026 Vacation Guide. That seems like a no-brainer, considering her association with Dollywood. Travelers can soon stop by Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee, or visit her SongTeller Hotel and Life of Many Colors Museum in Nashville.
It's not clear if these have anything to do with this latest announcement. However, given everything else she's doing, it does seem unlikely she wouldn't want to add an entirely new item to her already busy schedule.
Parton Already Has a Lot on Her Plate
Not only is Parton an award-winning musician, but she is also an accomplished businesswoman. She says she still gets up at 3 a.m. every morning in high heels to conquer the world.
Not only does she manage the amusement park that bears her name, but the "Jolene" singer also has a beauty and fragrance brand. You can even grab a bottle of wine with her name on it.
We will keep you posted on any developments.
