Just four days before her death, Dolly Parton spoke candidly about her health in her final interview.
“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl [Dean],” Parton told People in an interview published on Friday, August 21, referring to her late husband, who died in 2025 at age 82.
She continued, “You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health.”
Parton sparked public concern over her health in 2025 after she postponed her Las Vegas residency amid “health challenges.” Months later, she canceled the shows entirely.
“I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI!” she quipped on Friday. “Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner, and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”
Parton went on to shed insight into the future of her career and shared that she would not “tour anymore” like she “used to.”
“I hate to cancel anything I’m committed to, but I just couldn’t do the shows at the level I would want them to be, and in the way that I know my fans would expect them to be. I definitely plan to do special performances in the future, but I won’t tour anymore like I used to,” Parton told the outlet on Friday.
She continued: “But, you know, we’ve been working with some of those companies who make those avatar performances, and we are in early stages of development on that. It is just crazy what technology can do these days. So, I’m hopin’ to launch a big show like that right here in Nashville soon. Isn’t that just wild? I’ll be like George Jones — they used to call him ‘No Show Jones’ — I won’t have to show up in person, but I still get paid! Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.”
News broke on Tuesday, August 25, that Parton died at age 80.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” read a statement from Parton’s rep. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”
The statement continued: “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
The message noted that a “small, private service will be held for immediate family” while her “fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly” on social media and her website, per Parton’s request. The family asked for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in lieu of flowers.
