Dolly Parton gives health update at Dollywood after postponing Las Vegas residency shows

The country legend told fans she had been "worn down and worn out" while grieving over her late husband and dealing with a few health setbacks.

Parton, 80, admitted the emotional toll of losing Dean, who died March 3, 2025, at age 82 after 58 years of marriage, left her feeling drained.

"I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on," Parton said. "I just got myself kind of where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally and physically. But all is good. It didn't slow me down."

Despite the setbacks, Parton appeared upbeat as she took the stage with Eugene Naughton, president of the Dollywood Company, to celebrate the park's new season.

The "9 to 5" singer also shut down speculation about her love life with a dose of her trademark humor.

After joking that fans shouldn't mistake Naughton for her "new husband," Parton confirmed she hasn't started dating since Dean's death.

"I think Carl Dean's waiting for me," she said. "If I should show up at the pearly gates with somebody else, he would not like that. He'd be saying, 'Who's that little pisser? You leave him outside the gates.'"

Fox News Digital has reached out to Parton for comment.

In September, Parton sparked worry among fans when she announced she would postpone a Las Vegas residency originally scheduled for December 2025 and push the shows to September 2026 as she dealt with ongoing health issues.

"Carl and I spent many wonderful years together," the "Jolene" singer wrote on social media at the time.

"Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."

Parton first met Dean at a laundromat when she was just 18 and he was 21. The pair married in 1966 and built a decades-long relationship largely outside the spotlight.

Though rarely seen publicly with his superstar wife, Dean remained a constant presence behind the scenes, quietly supporting Parton throughout her legendary career.