Country music legend Dolly Parton delivered a Thanksgiving message to her fans on November 27, 2025. The 79-year-old artist appeared upbeat in the video, which was posted on Instagram, despite recent health issues that have worried her fans since the fall. This Thanksgiving marks her first without her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away earlier this year.
In the video, Parton wore a brown tweed top and her signature blonde hair styled in 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 gratitude for the shared memories and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, assuring them of her continued affection.
The message follows a year marked by several health concerns for Parton, leading to medical intervention. In September, she postponed her anticipated Las Vegas performance after doctors recommended she undergo certain procedures. The show, “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas,” originally set for The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, has been rescheduled for September 2026.
When explaining the postponement, Parton told fans that doctors advised her to have some procedures done. She humorously referred to it as a “100,000-mile check-up,” but clarified it was unrelated to her regular visits to a plastic surgeon. She emphasized that she could not rehearse or prepare the show as intended.
Concerns grew in early October when Parton’s sister, Freida, asked for prayers on Facebook. Freida shared she had been praying for her sister throughout the night and expressed faith in prayer’s power.
Freida later clarified that she did not intend to alarm anyone, explaining that Dolly was only slightly unwell.
Parton addressed the situation directly on October 8, 2025, via X, reassuring her fans. In a video captioned “I ain’t dead yet,” she explained that the public perceived her condition as worse than it was. She emphasized, “I don’t look sick,” and acknowledged the support and prayers she received.
The 11-time Grammy winner disclosed that her health issues resulted from kidney stones causing an infection. She revealed that during her husband’s prolonged illness and subsequent passing in March 2025 at age 82, she neglected her health. The couple had been married since 1966.
Despite these challenges, Parton described the health issues as manageable. She maintained her optimistic outlook and conveyed that while prayers are appreciated, she is doing fine. The kidney stones also led to the cancellation of a Dollywood appearance, as doctors advised against traveling at the time.
In a recent conversation with People magazine, Parton indicated she has no intention of slowing her career. When reminded of her upcoming 80th birthday, she responded, “so what,” reflecting on her accomplishments.
She elaborated on her views on aging, suggesting that one’s mindset significantly affects the aging process.
From her Nashville, Tennessee home, Parton has continued working on various projects. She assured fans that though her Vegas shows are postponed, she remains active professionally. She emphasized that she is not retiring, but believes she is being guided to slow down to prepare for future endeavors.
Dean had been ill before his death, and Parton later expressed a sense of peace knowing he was no longer suffering. The couple maintained a private relationship for nearly 60 years, with Dean seldom appearing publicly.
Parton’s Thanksgiving message reflects her ongoing connection with fans amid personal and health challenges. Her appearance in the video was energetic, providing reassurance to her followers during a difficult year.
