Dolly Parton made a rare public appearance on Friday (March 13) to mark the opening day of Dollywood’s 41st season.
For the first time in several months, Dolly Parton appeared in public. The country icon stepped out on Friday to help kick off the 41st season of her Dollywood theme park.
Named the #1 Theme Park in the United States by TripAdvisor, Dollywood has been a longtime favorite of families, with more than 3 million guests visiting each year. One of the highlights of the season is opening day. Dolly is always in attendance to give a keynote address on the morning of and to ride in a parade through the park in the afternoon.
It was unclear if Dolly would attend this year due to recent health issues. The “Jolene” singer began canceling public appearances, including a much-anticipated Las Vegas residency, in September 2025, citing health challenges that included complications from kidney stones.
Dolly Parton Addresses Health Concerns
During her appearance at Dollywood on Friday, Dolly gave fans an update on her health. She took the stage at the theme park’s Dollywood’s Celebrity Theater alongside the park’s president, Eugene Naughton. The pair discussed the upcoming season, including new attractions and festivals.
But before they dove into park happenings, Dolly shared some personal updates, including a brief health update.
“I have [not been] touring, as you know. I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of them. I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on. I just got myself kind of where I needed to built myself back up spiritually, emotionally, and physically. But, all is good.”
Dolly Clears Up Rumors That She Has Remarried
Dolly, who turned 80 in January, said that rumors had been circulating that she had remarried following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, last year. She quickly put them to rest, saying:
“I did not marry Sylvester Stallone … and I am not dating anybody. I am not married,” she told the crowd.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be married but once. I think Carl Dean’s waiting for me on the other side. And if I should show up at the pearly gates with somebody else, he would not like that,” she joked. “He’d be saying, ‘Who’s that little pisser? Leave him outside the gates, and if the Lord wants him in, he’ll bring him. You get on in here with me.”
Carl Dean died on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82. He had been married to Dolly for 58 years at the time of his death, and was notoriously a quiet supporter for her and her career. Rarely seen in public, Carl had an immeasurable influence on his wife’s career.
“She often spoke about his sharp wit, unshakable faith in her talent, and ability to keep her grounded in an industry that can be anything but. Their love story became one of the most cherished in entertainment, proving that true partnership is built on mutual respect, laughter, and an unbreakable bond,” a press release read shortly after Carl’s passing.
