Dolly Parton has given fans a health update, revealing she has been dealing with issues she says she neglected while caring for her late husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025. The 80-year-old country star told People that although the situation echoes health struggles she has faced before, it has been magnified by today's "24/7" social media environment, adding, "Even though I'm still healin', I'm still workin'."

Parton has recently appeared only virtually at several events, including accepting the Poet's Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards and greeting fans at the opening of Dollywood's new NightFlight Expedition ride, explaining her doctor had told her not to travel due to dizziness and dehydration. Despite this, she remains busy with new projects, including "avatar performances" still in early development and her SongTeller Hotel in Nashville, featuring the Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum, which is due to open next month.