Dolly Parton has made rare public appearances at Dollywood following her recent health scare.
“I’ve been working a lot. I haven’t been on tour, as you know. I’ve had a few health issues, and I’m taking good care of myself,” Parton, 80, told fans on Friday, March 13, while celebrating the new season of her theme park. “I just got tired and tired.”
In accordance with Entertainment WeeklyThe Grammy winner said she was saddened by the loss of her husband, Carl DeanWHO He died in March 2025 at the age of 82 years. He also admitted that “there are a lot of other little things going on.”
“I just found the space I needed to build myself spiritually, emotionally and physically,” she said. “But everything is going well.
In the past, Parton has made news after casting reverse his Las Vegas concert dates and other public events while still recovering kidney stones and other health conditions in the past six months.
As Dollywood begins its 41st year in East Tennessee on Friday, Parton expressed her hope that Dean will be proud of her for getting through life’s tough times.
“I think Carl Dean is waiting for me,” he said. If I got to the pearly gates with somebody else, he wouldn’t like that, he’d say, ‘Who’s that little boy?
Dolly Parton is starting her 80th birthday celebration early. The country icon, 79, released a new version of her classic “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” on Friday, January 16, featuring guest vocals from Reba McEntire, Queen Latifah, Lainey Wilson and her goddaughter Miley Cyrus. “I started writing this song in 1976 […]
While appearing on stage, Parton was joined by the president of the Dollywood Company Eugene Naughton. At one point, the “9 to 5” singer joked that fans might mistake the manager for her “new husband”.
He later confirmed that he is “not dating anyone.”
“I look like the girls next door… if you live near an amusement park 🎢,” Parton wrote about Instagram on Friday as we celebrate Dollywood’s latest milestone. “@dollywood is officially open for the 2026 season!”
Theme park attendees will be able to enjoy new attractions during Dollywood’s 41st season.
Dolly Parton has been recovering from some health problems. In September 2025, Parton surprised fans when she missed a scheduled visit to her Dollywood theme park to celebrate the new Night Flight Expedition Ride. Instead, the country singer appeared in a recorded video message played by the crowd. “Hello Dollywood! It’s me,” Parton said […]
In accordance with WLOSthe park will open a $50 million coaster called “NightFlight Expedition.” Dollywood officials described the trip as an “exciting whitewater rafting adventure” that “takes guests on a nighttime flight over the scenic Smokies.”
Parton also announced that Dollywood will premiere new stage plays as part of its annual I Will Always Love You Festival this year.
“There’s a lot more to come,” Parton teased. “I’m not done yet.
