Dolly Parton admits she's 'worn out' as she makes first public appearance in months
Dolly Parton has made an emotional return to the spotlight after months away from public events, revealing she has been dealing with health problems while grieving the loss of her husband Carl Dean.
The 80-year-old country legend appeared on stage on Friday (13 March) for Dollywood’s 41st season opening day celebration, where she was greeted with huge cheers from fans as she addressed the crowd. Her appearance comes after concern over her health in recent months, with the singer postponing her planned Las Vegas residency and missing a number of major events.
Speaking candidly during the celebration, Dolly admitted she had been struggling both physically and emotionally following Carl’s death last year. She said: "I've been up to a lot. I've not been touring, as you know. I've had a few little health issues, and we're taking good care of them."
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The Jolene star then opened up about the toll of losing her husband, explaining: "I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on." Dolly added: "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’s husband Carl Dean died in March last year at the age of 82, and the singer has kept a relatively low profile ever since, making only a handful of appearances and sending video messages to some events instead of attending in person. During the event, Dolly was joined on stage by Eugene Naughton, the president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, and she was still very much in joking form despite the emotional admission.
Laughing with the audience, she teased that some people might think he was her "new husband" before quickly shutting that down. She said: "I’m not dating anybody. I think Carl Dean's waiting for me. 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 p**ser? You leave him outside the gates.'"
The star looked her usual glamorous self for the occasion, wearing a white dress with a denim vest featuring floral detailing, while her blonde hair was styled half-up with loose waves falling over her shoulders. Dolly's legion of fans are sure to be breathe a sigh of relief at the return to stage, after months of speculation about her health and well-being.
Last year, Dolly revealed she had been forced to postpone her Las Vegas shows until September 2026 because of "some health challenges", later explaining that doctors had advised she undergo "a few procedures". Although she did not go into detail about those health issues, she later told fans: "And don't worry about me quittin' the business because God hasn't said anything about stopping yet.
"But, I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you. I love you and thank you for understanding." Concern also grew after Dolly missed several public events, including her 80th birthday tribute concert at the Grand Ole Opry in January, while she also appeared virtually at recent ceremonies rather than in person.
At one point, her sister Freida even asked fans for prayers, prompting further worry among supporters, before Dolly later addressed the speculation herself in a video, joking: "I ain't dead yet!" She also told fans: "Do I look sick to you?" as she tried to reassure them. Earlier this year, Dolly had also admitted she had not fully looked after herself in the aftermath of Carl’s death.
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