Dolly Parton is giving fans an update on her health after recently canceling an appearance at Dollywood.
The 80-year-old music icon revealed that she is currently dealing with health issues that she had previously neglected while caring for her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, before his death in March 2025.
In an interview with People, Parton explained that she had been focused on looking after Dean and did not pay enough attention to her own health at the time.
The singer also reflected on previous health struggles, noting that she has faced difficult periods in the past, including health problems that kept her away from her usual activities for months during the 1980s.
Despite her current challenges, Parton made it clear that she has no intention of stepping away from her creative work.
“I’m still workin’,” she said, emphasizing that she continues to focus on projects while she recovers.
Parton also addressed the intense concern surrounding her health online. She suggested that social media can make situations appear even more alarming because information spreads quickly and is often amplified.
The country music legend joked about her long history of media attention, saying she could now consider herself the “Queen of Social Media AI.”
While Parton no longer feels able to commit to a traditional tour, she is exploring new ways to bring her performances to audiences. She revealed that she is in the early stages of developing avatar performances, which could allow fans to experience her music without the demands of a conventional tour.
For now, Parton says she is continuing to work while taking time to focus on her recovery.