Dolly Parton shared that she has "been through hard times" with lingering health issues for over a year.
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Parton, 80, told PEOPLE that she felt unwell while caring for her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, before he died in March 2025.
"I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl," the iconic singer said.
Dolly Parton Remains Busy Amid Health Issues
Despite health concerns, Parton has maintained an active schedule. The Country Music Hall of Famer recently received a museum in her honor in Nashville. Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum opened in June 2026, featuring over 20,000 square feet dedicated to the legendary singer's career, wardrobe, music and life.
Parton noted that even though she's "still healing," the show must go on.
"It's not like I haven't been through hard times with my health," she told PEOPLE. "But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn't years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I'm the Queen of Social Media! Seriously, though, even though I'm still healin', I'm still workin'."
Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher is directing the upcoming playbill inspired by the life and legacy of Dolly Parton. DOLLY: A True Original Musical will open on Broadway this winter.
Dolly Parton Musical Headed to Broadway
"My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really. I can't wait to present it to you on Broadway," Parton said in a statement. "I hope you enjoy watching as much as I've enjoyed livin' it."
"Despite all of that genuine love, Dolly has never really shared her story before, Sher said. "She's offered glimpses and peeks."
"This musical allows her to reveal the unfiltered story in her own words. As we prepare to come to Broadway, we're thrilled to show that rhinestones were never her whole story."
Parton's iconic hits, including "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," "9 to 5" and "I Will Always Love You," will be included in the score.
DOLLY will premiere on Broadway on Jan. 19, 2027, Parton's 81st birthday.
