Country music icon Dolly Parton reassured an interviewer that she intended to continue her creative work just four days before her death. In an interview with People on Friday, August 21, Parton addressed concerns about her health, admitting she had been dealing with "some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to" prior to the death of her husband, Carl Dean.
Parton had previously canceled a planned Las Vegas residency and a scheduled appearance at her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, citing doctor's orders that had "clipped my wings." She also commented on the magnification of personal news in the current social media landscape, joking about being the "Queen of Social Media AI." Despite this, she asserted, "even though I’m still healin,’ I’m still workin’!".
"You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life,” Parton told the outlet.
While Parton did not specify her ongoing projects in the interview, her life is the subject of "Dolly: A True Original Musical," which is set to open on Broadway in early 2025, following a run in Nashville. Producers of the musical had shared a video earlier in the month where Parton stated her intention to be present for rehearsals in New York as much as possible and to attend the opening night.
Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, confirmed her death at age 80 on Tuesday, but the cause was not disclosed. He shared a video on Parton's social media accounts, reflecting on his aunt's passing and stating, "Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus."