Dolly Parton Jokes with 'New Husband' at Dollywood Appearance After Health Concerns

The country music icon addressed recent dating rumors and provided an update on her health following her husband's passing.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:57am

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Dolly Parton made her first major public appearance in months at the opening day of Dollywood's 41st season on Friday. During her keynote speech, the 80-year-old country music legend joked with Dollywood Company President Eugene Naughton, telling the crowd he shouldn't be confused with her 'new husband' amid recent dating rumors, including a report that she had married Sylvester Stallone. Parton also provided an update on her health, explaining she had been taking time off to recover from some 'health issues' and to grieve the passing of her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025.

Why it matters

Dolly Parton is one of the most beloved and iconic figures in country music and entertainment. Her appearance at Dollywood's opening after a period of health concerns and the loss of her husband has generated significant public interest and speculation about her personal life. This story provides insight into how Parton is coping with these challenges and reassures fans that she remains active and engaged with her career and her theme park.

The details

During her keynote speech, Parton jokingly told the crowd that Dollywood Company President Eugene Naughton should not be confused with her 'new husband,' addressing recent rumors that she had married Sylvester Stallone. Parton clarified that she is 'not dating anybody' and does not plan to remarry, stating that she believes her late husband, Carl Dean, is 'waiting for [her] on the other side.' Parton also provided an update on her health, explaining that she had been taking time off to recover from 'a few little health issues' and to grieve the passing of her husband of 58 years.

  • Dolly Parton made her first major public appearance in months on Friday, March 14, 2026.
  • Dolly Parton's husband, Carl Dean, passed away on March 3, 2025.

The players

Dolly Parton

An 80-year-old country music icon and the founder of Dollywood theme park.

Carl Dean

Dolly Parton's late husband of 58 years, who passed away in March 2025.

Eugene Naughton

The President of the Dollywood Company.

Sylvester Stallone

A famous American actor who was the subject of a false report that he had married Dolly Parton.

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What they’re saying

“I bet some of you thought [Eugene's] probably my new husband that you read about.”

— Dolly Parton (WVLT 8)

“There's a lot of rumors going around, but I did not marry Sylvester Stallone, did you see that one? And I'm not dating anybody. I'm not married. I don't think I'll ever be married but once.”

— Dolly Parton (WVLT 8)

“I think Carl Dean's waiting for me on the other side. If I should show up at the pearly gates with somebody else, he would not like that. He'd be saying, 'Who's that little pisser? You leave him outside the gates, and if the Lord wants him in, He'll bring him. You get on in here with me.”

— Dolly Parton (WVLT 8)

“I've not been touring, as you know. I've had a few little health issues, and we're taking good care of them.”

— Dolly Parton (WVLT 8)

“I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on. I just got myself kind of where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally, and physically. But all is good. It didn't slow me down.”

— Dolly Parton (WVLT 8)

What’s next

Dolly Parton is expected to continue her Dollywood residency and make more public appearances in the coming months as she continues to recover from her health issues and grieve the loss of her husband.

The takeaway

Despite facing personal challenges, Dolly Parton remains a resilient and beloved figure in country music and entertainment. Her ability to maintain her sense of humor and commitment to her career and Dollywood theme park during this difficult time is a testament to her strength and the deep connection she shares with her fans.