Dolly Parton, 80, makes first public appearance in MONTHS as she admits to getting ‘worn out’ amid health struggles
Dolly Parton made her first public appearance in months when she took the stage at Dollywood’s 41st season opening day celebration on Friday.
The 80-year-old singer, who touched upon her health problems after the postponement of her Las Vegas shows, was welcomed with cheers and applause by her fans attending the festivities.
The Jolene hitmaker sparked concern after not attending her 80th birthday concert at the Grand Ole Opry in January and making only virtual appearances at recent events such as the 2026 BRIT Awards.
“I’ve done a lot,” the country singer, whose husband Carl Dean passed away last year, told the crowd. WLOS News 13.
‘As you know, I didn’t go on tour. I’ve had a few minor health problems and we’re taking good care of them.’
Parton later released a heartfelt statement about her late husband’s death, saying: ‘I’m a little worn out and worn out because I’m upset about Carl and a lot of the other little things that are going on.’
Dolly Parton, 80, made her first public appearance in months by taking the stage at Dollywood’s 41st season opening day celebration on Friday.
The Jolene hitmaker sparked concern after she did not attend her 80th birthday concert at the Grand Ole Opry in January and only appeared virtually at events such as the 2026 BRIT Awards; Seen in Nashville in 2025
He added: ‘I’ve reached the place where I need to re-strengthen myself spiritually, emotionally and physically. But everything is fine. “That didn’t slow me down.”
The star was joined by Eugene Naughton, president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, as he sat on stage.
She joked to fans in the audience that some might have assumed Naughton was her ‘new husband’, before pointing out that she was ‘not dating anyone’.
“I think Carl Dean is waiting for me,” Parton said. ‘He won’t like it if I come to the pearl gates with someone else.
‘ ‘Who is that little pee? “He’d say, ‘Leave it outside the doors,'” he joked.
For the occasion, Parton wore a white dress paired with a denim vest featuring floral details.
Her blonde locks were pulled halfway back from her face, allowing the wavy strands to flow down her shoulders.
The star made several public appearances last year, such as the Dolly Parton exhibition in Nashville in May 2025.
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‘As you know, I didn’t go on tour. “I’ve had a few minor health problems and we’re taking good care of them,” he told the crowd.
She joked to fans in the audience that some might have thought Naughton was her ‘new husband’ before pointing out that she was ‘not dating anyone’.
“I think Carl Dean is waiting for me,” Parton said. ‘He won’t like it if I come to the pearly gates with someone else.’
The star has made several public appearances last year, such as the Dolly Parton exhibition in Nashville in May 2025 (seen above)
It came just two months after her husband passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82.
Parton had originally planned to begin her residency in Las Vegas in December 2025, but had previously revealed that she had to ‘postpone’ the residency to September 2026 due to ‘some health issues.’
The star also shared that doctors informed her that she would need to undergo “a few procedures,” but did not reveal any further details.
He then reassured fans: ‘Don’t worry about me quitting because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.
‘But I think He’s telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for bigger adventures with all of you. I love you and thank you for your understanding.’
The following month in October, her sister Freida requested fans to ‘prayer’ for the music artist, which sparked concern from fans.
Parton’s other sister, Stella, later shared the following message on
‘My sister Freida always worries when one of her siblings is not feeling well and asks for prayers on Dolly’s behalf…’
Parton was originally set to begin her Las Vegas residency in December 2025, but had previously announced that she had to ‘postpone’ her residency to September 2026 due to ‘some health issues.’
The singer has missed events in recent months like the Governors Award, where she nearly accepted an honorary Oscar in the form of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (seen above).
That same month, the 9 To 5 singer said, ‘I’m not dead yet!’ He uploaded a video message titled:
He also asked the question in the clip: ‘Do I look sick to you?’ before announcing that he ‘wanted to reassure everyone’ about his health condition.
Parton later admitted that she ‘didn’t take care’ of herself following her husband’s death.
In recent months, the singer has missed events like the Governors Award in November 2025, where she virtually accepted an honorary Oscar in the form of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
He also did not attend the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Fame ceremony that same month.
In February, she shared a virtual video message at The Brit Awards after the late Ozzy Osbourne won the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Last month in February, he shared a virtual video message at The Brit Awards 2026 after the late Ozzy Osbourne won the Lifetime Achievement Award (seen above).
Late last year, the Daily Mail exclusively learned that Dolly was recovering and was scheduled to appear on a residency show in Las Vegas in September.
Caesars Palace president Sean McBurney said the singer was “doing well,” adding that he and his team were “very excited for Dolly.”
He also confirmed that Parton will have shows in September. [2026]’ is still planned at the Colosseum concert hall.
Shortly before her 80th birthday in January, Parton expressed concerns about her health during an interview. People.
Yıldız said, “People say, ‘Well, you’ll be 80 years old.'” So what? Look at what I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started.
“People say, ‘Well, you’ll be 80,'” the star said. So what? Look at what I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started’; seen in Los Angeles in 2019
‘I know this sounds stupid, but unless my health deteriorates, which I look good at the moment.’
Parton further increased concerns after announcing that she would not attend the 80th birthday commemorative concert at the Grand Ole Opry.
However, a source told the Daily Mail that his absence from the event was not related to a medical condition.
A rep for Parton said: ‘She never intended to be there and she was never promoted to be there, so she’s not backing out of anything. He would never leave.’
