Overview
- Parton used Dollywood’s 41st-season opening on March 13 to give her first major onstage health update in months, as captured by local TV footage.
- She told fans she has had “a few little health issues” and confirmed she has stayed off the road while focusing on recovery.
- Parton said she felt “worn down and worn out” after the death of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, and is rebuilding spiritually, emotionally and physically.
- She reminded fans that health challenges led her to postpone a planned Las Vegas residency in 2025 and to miss several appearances, including an Opry birthday celebration.
- Looking ahead, she said she is writing and preparing new projects, including a Broadway effort and music releases, telling the crowd, “I ain’t done.”