Dolly Parton Addresses Health Rumors, Confirms She Is Active and Focused on New Projects Despite Personal Loss
NASHVILLE — Dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon and cultural figure, has clarified her current health status following persistent online rumors. At 79, Parton remains active, creative, and in good health, though she has acknowledged taking a temporary step back from songwriting in 2025 after the death of her husband, Carl Dean.
Dean, Parton’s reclusive partner of nearly 60 years, passed away in March 2025 following a private health battle. The couple, who married in 1966, maintained a famously low-profile relationship, with Dean rarely seen in public. In May, Parton spoke candidly for the first time about her husband’s final years, saying she had chosen to keep his health struggles private out of respect for his lifelong wish to stay away from the spotlight.
“I needed time to grieve in my own way,” Parton said. “Carl never wanted attention, and I wanted to honor that. For me, that has meant stepping back from writing for a little while, just to find my footing again.”
Her announcement that she was taking a songwriting hiatus was quickly misinterpreted in some corners of the media as a sign of declining health or possible retirement. However, Parton has been quick to correct such speculation. “I’m not retiring, and I’m not sick,” she said. “I’m just taking a little time for myself, but I’ve got a lot of exciting things coming up.”
Indeed, Parton’s calendar remains full. In December 2025, she will headline a highly anticipated Las Vegas residency, marking her return to large-scale live performances. At the same time, she is actively overseeing the development of a Broadway musical based on her life — a project she has long envisioned as a way to share her personal journey with audiences in a new medium.
Parton’s decision to pause songwriting reflects her acknowledgment of the need to prioritize emotional well-being in the face of loss. She has previously spoken about her family’s history with depression and her commitment to managing her own mental health with honesty. “We don’t always talk about it enough,” she has said in interviews. “But it’s important to know that taking care of your mental health is just as vital as your physical health.”
Her proactive approach to health has been a consistent theme throughout her career. In 2021, Parton famously documented her COVID-19 vaccination, encouraging fans to follow her example. She had donated $1 million toward vaccine research the year before, underscoring her ongoing commitment to public health and science.
Rumors about Parton’s health have circulated for years, often amplified online. Several false reports of her death have surfaced, prompting her team to issue clarifications. For her fans, the persistence of these rumors contrasts sharply with the reality of a performer still actively engaged in creative and professional projects.
Industry colleagues and family members have noted that while Parton has experienced the natural effects of aging, she remains focused and enthusiastic about her work. “She’s still the same Dolly — sharp, witty, and unstoppable,” one close associate said.
As she navigates her grief, Parton’s connection to her audience remains strong. “Music has always been healing for me,” she reflected recently. “Right now, I’m healing in a different way, but I know I’ll be back writing when the time is right. And until then, I’ve got plenty of other ways to share my story.”
For fans, the key takeaway is clear: Dolly Parton is healthy, engaged, and far from retirement. Her decision to step back temporarily from songwriting is less about slowing down than about honoring her personal journey through loss — and preparing for yet another chapter in a career that has already spanned more than six decades.