Dolly Parton says she's still working while recovering from health issues

Iconic singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, 80, assured fans she is actively working on new music and exploring innovative ways to reach them, even as she recovers from unspecified health issues.

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

Parton revealed to People magazine that she has been addressing health concerns that she previously neglected while caring for her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in March 2025. The "Jolene" singer noted that while she has faced difficult health periods before, the current era of constant activity and social media magnifies such challenges.

"I'm dealing with some health issues that I didn't pay attention to while I was taking care of Carl," Parton told the magazine. "I used to joke that I was the 'tabloid queen,' but now I guess I can say I'm the 'social media queen'! Seriously, although I'm still recovering, I'm still working."

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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'! Seriously, although I'm still recovering, I'm still working.

Looking ahead, Parton and her team are collaborating with companies developing "avatar performances," a project currently in its early stages. This news follows her recent cancellation of attendance at the inauguration of NightFlight Expedition at Dollywood, her theme park in Tennessee. Her doctor advised her against traveling for the week, citing dizziness and dehydration.

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My doctor in Nashville has practically cut my wings by telling me, 'You are not going to travel this week.' So I guess, if the doctor tells you 'you are not going to travel this week,' then you don't travel that week.