Dolly Parton’s recent health challenges may have worried her fans, but she remains confident that her faith will help her navigate whatever curveballs life throws her way.
The country music superstar leans heavily into her spiritual side to navigate the toughest circumstances. She shared her thoughts on the topic with Closer Weekly in 2018.
“Everybody’s got that spiritual background,” she said of growing up in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. “I think that good neighbors and faith and trust in God — and in one another — help everyone pull together as a team. You’ve got to pull as a community, as a family. That’s the only way you can keep going. A belief in God is essential,” she continued.
Parton’s faith led her to build a chapel on the property she shared with her husband of 59 years, Carl Dean. There’s also the Robert F. Thomas Chapel on the grounds of her Dollywood Parks and Resorts in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, named after the doctor who delivered Parton, says the park’s official website.
Dolly leaned into her faith after husband Carl Dean’s death
After 59 years of marriage, Carl Dean died in March 2025. Dolly Parton discussed how she further leaned into her faith to get her through this difficult personal time.
“I am a person of faith, and I truly believe that I’m going to see him again someday. And I see him every day in my memories and in my heart, and in all the things that we used to do and all the things that we’ve built together,” said Parton to the Associated Press. “You just kind of have to learn to kind of make new plans — but that’s the hardest part.”
“I really feel his presence,” she continued. “I just try to go on, because I know I have to. And he was ill for quite a while, and part of me was at peace that he was at peace and not suffering anymore. But that still doesn’t make up for the loss and the loneliness of it.”
Dolly Parton’s health
On September 28, Dolly Parton offered a glimpse into her spiritual life via an Instagram post. She discussed postponing her Las Vegas residency, originally scheduled for later this year, and reflected on her relationship with God while managing this ongoing health challenge.
Parton attempted to ease fans’ worries about her health and being able to continue a demanding professional schedule at 79. She wrote, “Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.”
“But, I believe, He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you,” she concluded.
Parton’s scheduled shows will be moved to September 2026. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, her representative, Olly Rowland, said fans shouldn’t worry about the entertainer.
“It’s just the kidney stones, and the procedure she needs to resolve those,” Rowland said. “It looks like her sister posted, and it got quite a bit blown out of proportion, weirdly.”
Dolly Parton’s faith has long been a guiding force in her life, helping her navigate personal and professional challenges. Even amid health concerns and the demands of her career, she continues to draw strength and comfort from her spiritual beliefs.