Dolly Parton discusses health issues and new music projects

Dolly Parton, the iconic singer-songwriter, is actively recovering from health issues that prompted her to cancel her Las Vegas residency in May and step back from public appearances. The 80-year-old star assured fans she remains engaged and is exploring innovative ways to connect with them through her music.

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I'm dealing with some health issues that I didn't pay much attention to while I was taking care of Carl.

"I'm dealing with some health issues that I didn't pay much attention to while I was taking care of Carl," Parton told People magazine, referring to her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in March 2025 at age 82. The "Jolene" singer noted that while she has faced difficult health periods before, the constant 24/7 activity and social media presence today magnify such challenges.

Parton, who jokingly called herself the "tabloid queen" in the past, now embraces her "social media queen" status. She confirmed that despite her ongoing recovery, she continues to work. She and her team are collaborating with companies developing "avatar performances," a project currently in its early stages.

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I used to joke that I was the 'tabloid queen,' but now I guess I can say I'm the 'social media queen!'

These statements follow her cancellation last week of an appearance at the inauguration of NightFlight Expedition at Dollywood, her theme park in Tennessee. Her doctor in Nashville advised her against traveling that week, leading her to apologize via a recorded video, explaining she had felt dizzy and dehydrated. In May, she had announced the cancellation of her Las Vegas residency, initially scheduled for December 2025 and later postponed to September.

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My doctor in Nashville practically clipped my wings by telling me, 'You are not going to travel this week.'