Today is Dolly Parton Day as legendary performer turns 80

Dolly Parton is celebrating her 80th birthday on Monday, Jan 19. 

The country music icon has had a busy year plagued with some health concerns, but the singer has spoken out to say she’s just doing fine and not slowing down. 

Dolly Parton health concerns

Timeline:

In September, she was unable to attend the announcement of a new ride at her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, due to health issues. Then, later that month, she postponed her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years, citing "health challenges." 

In October, her sister, Freida, sparked concern when she posted on social media that she had been praying for Parton and was asking for others to do the same. 

The next day, Parton eased the minds of her fans and posted a video to Instagram. "I wanted to say, I know lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I'm working hard here."

She said her doctor urged her to take care of a few things, but reassured her fans it was "nothing major."

She captioned the post, "I ain't dead yet!"

RELATED: Dolly Parton breaks silence on health struggles: 'I ain’t dead yet!'

Dig deeper:

Parton offered her own clarification in the video, referencing her late husband of nearly 60 years Carl Dean, who died last year at age 82.

"I want you to know that I’m OK. I’ve got some problems as I’ve mentioned. Back when my husband Carl was very sick, that was for a long time, and then when he passed, I didn’t take care of myself. So I let a lot of things go that I should’ve been taking care of," she said. "So anyway, when I got around to it, the doctor said ‘We need to take care of this. We need to take care of that.’ Nothing major but I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home, closer to Vanderbilt, where I’m kind of having a few treatments here and there."

Dolly Parton Day 2026

Local perspective:

Tennessee governor Bill Lee signed a proclamation officially designating her birthday, Jan. 19, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day in the state. 

What they're saying:

"Dolly Parton’s life and career is woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and rich history," said Gov. Lee. "Her talent and generosity have made a lasting impact on the world, and it is fitting that we honor her 80th birthday by celebrating her remarkable legacy and dedication to the Volunteer State."

Dolly Parton career

Meanwhile:

Parton performs on occasion but hasn’t toured since her "Pure & Simple Tour" ended in 2016.

She released a new book in November, "Star of the Show: My Life on Stage."

What's next:

A new stage musical inspired by her life story is set to land on Broadway in 2026.

And her residency dates at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace have been moved to September 2026. 

What they're saying:

Late last year, Parton spoke to People Magazine ahead of her book release to say she felt like she was "just getting started" in life. 

"I know that sounds stupid, but unless my health gives way, which right now I seem to be doing fine… I think there’s a lot to be said about age. If you allow yourself to get old, you will. I say, ‘I ain’t got time to get old!’ I ain’t got time to dwell on that. That’s not what I’m thinking about."

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