Published: 05:21 BST, 22 August 2026 | Updated: 05:23 BST, 22 August 2026
Dolly Parton revealed the heartbreaking reason behind her 'health issues' after sparking fan fears following the cancellation of events and her Las Vegas residency.
The 80-year-old songstress admitted to recently having 'hard times with my health' during an interview with People published on Friday.
The Jolene hitmaker explained that she had neglected her own health while caring for late husband Carl Dean, who passed away last year at the age of 82 on March 3, 2025.
'I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,' Parton told the outlet.
'It's not like I haven't been through hard times with my health,' she added, before referring to a time in the 80s when she had been 'down for several months with female issues.'
The star said 'everything gets magnified in ways it wasn't years ago' due to social media.
Dolly Parton, 80, revealed the heartbreaking reason behind her 'health issues' after sparking fan fears following the cancellation of events and her Las Vegas residency; seen in 2025 in Nashville
The Jolene hitmaker explained that she had neglected her own health while caring for late husband Carl Dean, who passed away last year at the age of 82 on March 3, 2025; seen in 2022 in Texas
'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! Seriously, though, even though I'm still healin', I'm still workin'.'
Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Parton for comment, but has yet to hear back.
Earlier this month, Parton sparked fan concern after she canceled an appearance at her Dollywood theme park last-minute.
The singer, whose brother passed away last month in July, instead made a virtual appearance to celebrate the grand opening of a new rollercoaster called NightFlight Expedition, per Knoxville News Sentinel.
'I'm still in Nashville, and I'm sorry about that,' the Jolene hitmaker explained in a video shown on a large screen to fans.
'I'm supposed to be there in person, like we planned. Now I've told you before, all my fans, that I have had a few little health issues.'