Posted by Dolly Parton has shared a candid health update with fans after admitting to experiencing some “hard times” recently. The country icon, who lost her husband Carl Dean—a figure who remained an anchor in her life for 58 years—has been navigating a period of profound grief and physical exhaustion.
The toll of bereavement has been significant, leading the singer to step back from several high-profile live performances to prioritize her well-being. In a recent update, she admitted to feeling “worn down and worn out” earlier this year, a sentiment she shared during an interview with People on August 21st.
“I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” she explained. Reflecting on her history with health challenges, she recalled the early 1980s, when she was sidelined for several months due to “female issues.” She noted that in today’s hyper-connected landscape, personal struggles are often amplified by social media. “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.
Despite these setbacks, the legendary performer remains resilient. “Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’,” she affirmed.
Last year, her sister Freida reached out to fans, asking for prayers for the country queen. In a previous statement, Dolly Parton linked some of her recurring health issues to kidney stones. “I’ve told you before that I’ve always had problems with my kidney stones. Lord, they dig more stones out of me a year than the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee,” she shared. “But seriously, my immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple of years, and they’re working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those, and hopefully I’ll be up to snuff again soon.”