Dolly Parton made her first major appearance in months on Friday, and she had plenty of life updates to share with her fans.
The 80-year-old gave the keynote speech on the opening day of Dollywood's 41st season and addressed recent rumors about her dating life, including a bizarre report that she married Sylvester Stallone.
Dolly was joined on the stage by Dollywood Company President Eugene Naughton and jokingly told fans that he shouldn't be confused with her "new husband."
"I bet some of you thought [Eugene's] probably my new husband that you read about," she quipped to the crowd in footage shared by 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," she continued. "I'm not married. I don't think I'll ever be married but once."
Dolly and her late husband, Carl Dean, were married for 58 years before his death on March 3, 2025, at 82.
© Dolly Parton"I think Carl Dean's waiting for me on the other side," she added. "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 also shared an update on her health after sparking concern when she cancelled several high-profile appearances following advice from her doctors.
© Getty Images"I've not been touring, as you know. I've had a few little health issues, and we're taking good care of them," she said.
Dolly then touched on Carl's death, explaining: "I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on.
© Dolly Parton"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 broke the news of Carl's passing via an Instagram announcement, writing: "Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville.
© Dolly Parton"He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
"Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy. The family asks for privacy during this difficult time."
© InstagramIn recent months, Dolly has been taking it easy and has postponed her Las Vegas residency, missed the Hall of Fame ceremony for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) for Dollywood in November 2025, and skipped her 80th birthday concert at the Grand Ole Opry in January.
Explaining her "health challenges" in November, Dolly said: "I had a kidney stone that was causing me a lot of problems, turned out it'd given me an infection… my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures."
