Dolly Parton has revealed a health update in her first major public appearance of 2026.
As reported by Billboard, she shared the information during a keynote address at Dollywood on Friday, March 13. This year marks the Tennessee theme park's 41st anniversary.
"I've not been touring, as you know. I've had a few little health issues, and we're taking good care of them," she explained. "I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on," she continued.
Dolly Parton's husband tragically passed away in 2025, partly leading to her postponing her residency in Las Vegas' Caesars Palace. Her undisclosed medical issues were also part of the reason.
She continued, "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."
Dolly Parton also honored her late husband in the address, joking that she isn't dating anyone. "I think Carl Dean's waiting for me. If I should show up at the pearly gates with somebody else... He'd be saying, 'Who's that little pisser? You leave him outside the gates.'," she added.
To finish the address, she answered a question from the audience about her guidance within her life. "Never forget who you are, never forget where you come from, and always kind of go back home," she answered. "You can always go back home in your heart and in your mind."
We're glad she's feeling better!
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Dolly Parton Also Revealed Details About Her Upcoming Broadway Musical
Dolly Parton also had a few things to say about her Broadway musical, "Dolly: An Original Musical". She revealed that she's actually rewriting her songs specifically for the musical.
As we reported last year, Dolly's musical is looking to be a good one. In an interview with People, she explained the rough outline of the musical. "The whole first act is my early days before I went to Nashville. The second act is about my days in Nashville and beyond. So the first part of the musical will be a lot like Coat of Many Colors with music and songs and will involve more details."
Is anyone else as stoked as I am for this?
