Dolly Parton spoke of ‘hard times’ with her health days before her death

Digital Editor

NASHVILLE, Tenn. —

Just days before her death, country music icon Dolly Parton spoke of “hard times” with her health.

The 10-time Grammy-winning country singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist known as the “Queen of Country,” died Tuesday at the age of 80.

She died peacefully Tuesday in Nashville, her publicist said, although a cause of death has not been released.

Just days before her death, Parton spoke about her health issues in an interview with People.

“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,” she told the publication on Aug. 21.

Parton was married to Carl Thomas Dean for nearly 59 years before he died on March 3, 2025.

“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 told People.

Parton never revealed the exact health issues she was dealing with in the interview.

Public concern over Parton’s health came to a head earlier this summer when the 80-year-old canceled her previously postponed Las Vegas residency due to health challenges that left her feeling “swimmy headed” — but she assured fans her ailments were treatable.

She didn’t share too many details about her health but clarified that she always “had problems with my kidney stones,” and that her immune system and digestive system “got all out of whack over the past couple three years and they’re working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those.”

Last September, Parton also was unable to attend the announcement of a new ride at her Tennessee theme park Dollywood due to health issues. The following month, Parton posted a video to social media joking that she “ain’t dead yet,” following public speculation about her health.

Parton was among the most beloved personalities in music and beyond — the rare celebrity whose appeal transcended generations, geography and politics.

She wrote hundreds of songs, including classics like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” Beyond her influence as the “Queen of Country,” Parton was equally known for her generosity.