Country music legend Dolly Parton extended a Thanksgiving message to her followers on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The 79-year-old artist appeared to be in good spirits, despite recent health issues that have worried her fans this autumn. She posted a video on Instagram, expressing appreciation to her supporters during her first Thanksgiving without her husband, Carl Dean.
In the video, Parton wore a brown tweed top and her iconic blonde hair styled into curls. “Well hey! It’s Dolly here, and I want to wish all of you and your family blessings this Thanksgiving,” she stated. She expressed her gratitude for the shared memories over the years, wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and reaffirmed her affection for her fans.
This message follows a challenging year for Parton, who has experienced several health issues needing medical intervention. In September, she postponed her much-anticipated Las Vegas performance after being advised by doctors to undergo specific procedures. The show, titled “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas,” was initially set to be held at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace but has been rescheduled to September 2026.
Upon announcing the postponement, Parton informed fans that her doctors recommended some procedures. She humorously mentioned it was time for her “100,000-mile check-up,” while clarifying it was not a regular visit to her plastic surgeon. She emphasized that she could not rehearse and produce the show that her fans anticipated and deserved.
Concerns regarding her health escalated in early October when her sister, Freida, sought prayers for the singer through a Facebook post. Freida shared that she spent the night praying for Dolly, expressing faith in the power of prayer.
Following the wave of concern, Freida clarified her comments, noting she did not intend to alarm anyone or suggest the situation was dire. She explained that Dolly had merely been feeling under the weather.
Parton addressed these speculations directly on October 8, 2025, using X to reassure her fans. In a video captioned “I ain’t dead yet,” Parton explained that people believed she was more ill than she actually was. She emphasized that she did not appear sick and was working diligently, aiming to ease the concerns of her truly worried supporters, whose care and prayers she greatly valued.
The 11-time Grammy recipient disclosed that her recent health issues were due to kidney stones, leading to an infection. She explained that during her husband Carl Dean’s prolonged illness and eventual passing, she neglected her own health. Dean passed away on March 3, 2025, at 82, after 60 years of marriage. They wed in 1966.
Despite these health concerns, Parton described them as not severe and maintained an optimistic stance. She stressed that while she is a person of faith and appreciates prayers, she wanted fans to know she is okay. The kidney stones also compelled her to cancel an appearance at Dollywood, as doctors advised against travel and recommended a few days of rest.
In a recent discussion with People magazine, Parton asserted she has no intention of slowing down her career. When questioned about turning 80, she responds with “so what,” citing her numerous accomplishments over the years.
She elaborated on her views on aging, indicating that much can be said about age, and if one allows oneself to feel old, they will.
Working from her Nashville, Tennessee, home base, Parton continues to engage in various projects and business ventures. She reassured fans about the postponed Vegas shows, stating that while she needs time to prepare, she can still work on her projects. She also assured fans she is not quitting, as she has not received any such indication from God, though she believes He is telling her to slow down to prepare for more significant endeavors.
Dean had been ill for a significant period before his passing, and Parton later mentioned that part of her was at peace knowing he was no longer suffering. The couple, who met in 1964 when Parton was 18, maintained a private relationship over nearly six decades, with Dean rarely appearing in public despite Parton’s widespread fame.
Parton’s Thanksgiving message illustrated her resilience and connection with fans during a year marked by personal loss and health challenges. Her appearance in the video showed that she looked well, providing reassurance to her supporters who have followed her through this challenging year.
