Dolly Parton ‘taking care of her health as she continues to grieve death of her husband Carl Thomas Dean’
Dolly Parton is taking care of her health as she continues to grieve the death of her husband Carl Thomas Dean, telling visitors at Dollywood recent health concerns had left her “worn down and worn out”.
Dolly Parton is taking care of her health as she continues to grieve the death of her husband Carl Thomas Dean, telling visitors at Dollywood recent health concerns had left her “worn down and worn out”.
Dolly, 80, spoke about her wellbeing during a keynote speech on the opening day of the new season at her Tennessee theme park Dollywood on Friday, 13 March.
The park is entering its 41st season since opening.
Dolly addressed visitors alongside Dollywood Company president Eugene Naughton, explaining she had stepped back from touring while dealing with minor health issues and the emotional impact of losing Carl Thomas Dean, who died on 3 March 2025 aged 82.
Dolly had been married to Carl for 58 years.
Carl largely stayed out of the public eye during their relationship and rarely appeared publicly with her.
Speaking during the address, Dolly said: “I’ve not been touring, as you know. I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of them,” according to footage of the speech shared by WVLT 8.
Dolly that grief had taken a toll following Carl’s death.
She said: “I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on.
“I just got myself kind of where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally, and physically. But, all is good. It didn’t slow me down.”
During the event Dolly also joked with the audience while standing beside Eugene Naughton, telling fans not to mistake Eugene for a new partner. Dolly confirmed that she is not dating following Carl’s death.
She said: “I think Carl Dean’s waiting for me.
“If I should show up at the pearly gates with somebody else, he would not like that. He’d be saying, ‘Who’s that little pisser? You leave him outside the gates.’”
Carl married Dolly in 1966 and spent decades avoiding publicity, rarely appearing at events with her and remaining largely out of the spotlight.
Dolly previously apologised to fans for missing the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame ceremony for Dollywood in November 2025, citing health concerns.
She also postponed her planned Las Vegas residency in October 2025 due to an unspecified illness.
Earlier in September 2025 Dolly had mentioned she was dealing with kidney stones and announced that the Las Vegas shows would be pushed back by nearly a year while she focused on her health.
A source close to Dolly told PEOPLE magazine in a November 2025 cover story that her condition had been improving.
The source said: “Dolly is getting better every day.
“She is at home taking care of herself while many friends and family visit her.
“In true Dolly spirit she has already started decorating for the holidays — her favorite time of year.”
