Dolly Parton reassures fans at first public appearance in months: "All's good"

Flashback: Parton slowed down toward the end of 2025 to deal with health problems, but on Friday she assured fans "all's good."

What she's saying: Parton, who turned 80 in January, explained she needed to "build myself back up spiritually, emotionally and physically" following the death of her husband Carl Dean a year ago.

• "I just kind of got wore down and wore out grieving over Carl," she said. "I've had a few little health issues and we're taking good care of them."

The big picture: Parton assured fans things are now "back to normal." And for Parton, normal means busy.

• She's rewriting and retooling songs for her upcoming Broadway musical, which is expected to open this fall in New York.
• A new Dolly-themed hotel and museum are expected to open this year in downtown Nashville.

The bottom line: "Be ready for me," she said. "I ain't near done."