Dolly Parton’s Surprise New Album Announcement: Release Date, Tracklist & How to Listen First

Country music icon Dolly Parton has reassured fans that she is “taking it easy” after doctors urged her to scale back public appearances, causing the 79-year-old legend to miss this week’s National Theme Park Hall of Fame induction at Dollywood. Parton released a warm video message from her Nashville home, thanking supporters and joking that even “the girl who never stops” sometimes has to listen to medical advice. The singer revealed she has battled undisclosed “health challenges” since early 2025, the same period when her late husband Carl Dean’s illness worsened, but emphasized she is “getting better every day” and remains involved in Dollywood projects behind the scenes. Fans flooding social media with #GetWellDolly tributes praised her transparency and noted her long history of powering through adversity—from childhood poverty in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains to decades of touring. Industry insiders say the singer’s brief pause will not slow momentum for her 2024 rock album “Rockstar,” which has already surpassed one billion streams globally and earned three Grammy nominations. Dollywood officials confirmed the Hall of Fame ceremony will be rescheduled for spring 2026, allowing Parton to attend in person. In the meantime, the park is launching a limited-edition “9 to 5” candle and a holographic exhibit chronicling her career, ensuring visitors still feel her presence during the holiday season. Parton’s representatives stressed that no tour dates have been canceled; rather, her calendar is being “strategically lightened” so she can focus on recovery, completing her long-awaited memoir, and producing season two of the Netflix series “Heartstrings.” Medical experts unaffiliated with Parton note that vocal rest, physical therapy, and stress management are common recommendations for veteran performers facing age-related strain. Fans can expect periodic video updates on her official Instagram and X feeds, where she recently quipped, “I may be sittin’ still, but my rhinestones are still shining.” With her trademark optimism, Dolly signed off her latest message: “Y’all keep the faith—I’ll be back before you can say ‘Jolene’.”