In her final interview, the country music icon (above in November 2023) explained why she missed an Aug. 14 Dollywood event. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Parton specifically referenced being “down for several months with female issues” in the early 1980s.
The singer added that her most recent health struggles stemmed from not “pay[ing] attention” while “watching over” her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, before his death.
Dean died in March 2025 at 82, nearly 59 years into the couple’s ultra-private marriage.
Dolly Parton smiling, wearing a black jacket with pink and black sequins and a bright pink mesh top.
The singer (above on May 4) was “dealing with some health issues” — but noted she had done so before and came out the other side. dolly parton/ instagram
Singer Dolly Parton attends the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards.
Parton (above in May 2023) specifically referenced being “down for several months with female issues” in the early 1980s. AFP via Getty Images
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Parton shared the news of her longtime partner’s passing last year — and it was her nephew who did the same for her “with absolute pride and great sadness” on Tuesday.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” Bryan Seaver, who was also Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, said of the “honor.”
In his emotional tribute, Seaver revealed, “Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton, because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.”
Dolly Parton in a fringe suede outfit.
The “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” star (above in the 1982 movie) attributed her health issues to not “pay[ing] attention” while “watching over” her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, before he died last year. Universal/courtesy Everett Collection
Dolly Parton in a convertible, wearing a white cowboy hat and a white jacket with gold embroidery.
Parton’s nephew announced her death at 80 in a video statement Tuesday. ©Universal/courtesy Everett / Ev
Nine months before her passing, the “9 to 5” hitmaker spoke to People about the legacy she wished to leave behind.
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“I’m at that point in my life where I just want to be able to do good things that can be carried on,” she said in the November 2025 cover story. “I’m proud of my legacy so far, and I hope to just continue to do things that might be of use to other people.”
At the time, the actress, who felt she was “just getting started,” quipped, “I ain’t got time to get old!”
Dolly Parton on stage, holding a microphone, wearing a white blazer over a black lace top, a black leather skirt, and fishnet gloves.
Just last year, Parton (above in January 2025) told People she didn’t have “time to get old.” Getty Images
Dolly Parton as Mona Stangley in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”
The Grammy winner (above in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”) said, “I’m proud of my legacy so far, and I hope to just continue to do things that might be of use to other people.” ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
Parton explained, “I know that sounds stupid, but unless my health gives way, which right now I seem to be doing fine … I think there’s a lot to be said about age. If you allow yourself to get old, you will.”
Two months prior, though, in September, the Grammy winner had gone public with her “health challenges” as they forced her to bow out of scheduled shows, including her Las Vegas residency.
Then in January, she missed her 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry.
