Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 12, 2025 · Entertainment

Dolly Parton's Legacy and Health: Inside Carl Dean’s Will

Dolly Parton's late husband Carl Dean's will was revealed amid rumors she is going through a health scare; pictured in January 2024

Dolly Parton's Love Story Takes Center Stage Amid Health Rumors

The country music icon, Dolly Parton, has been making headlines with her latest updates on her health and personal life. Just over a year after the passing of her beloved husband, Carl Dean, at 82, new documents have revealed that he left his entire estate to the legendary singer.

According to exclusive details obtained by The Scholarly Note, the will was signed in 2013, covering all of Dean's personal property, including items tied to Parton's iconic music career. These treasures included costumes, photos, cars, and other memorabilia that showcased her incredible journey as a country superstar.

Just a little over a year after her husband of nearly six decades died at the age of 82 in March, it was revealed that he left his entire estate to the country superstar

But what's even more remarkable is that Dean's will mentions a handwritten note outlining the distribution of specific personal items in case of his passing. If this note cannot be found, Parton herself will be responsible for dispersing these possessions. Talk about a tough task!

In a shocking turn of events, Parton has come forward to address concerns about her health amid ongoing speculation. Just days after canceling several public appearances, the singer took to social media to clear up the rumors.

In a heartfelt video posted on Wednesday, Parton spoke directly to her fans: "I wanna say something...Well, today's October 8th, and obviously I'm here doing some commercials for the Grand Ole Opry, which is why I'm dressed kinda like a country Western girl." But before getting started, she wanted to set the record straight.

According to newly released documents, the will was originally signed in 2013 and covered his personal property, which included items tied to his beloved wife's iconic music career. The items included but were not limited to costumes, photos, cars and other paraphernalia

"I know lately, everybody thinks that I'm sicker than I am...do I look sick to you? I'm working hard here!" Parton continued. "Anyway, I wanted to put everybody's mind at ease — those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate." She expressed her gratitude for the prayers and support from her fans.

Parton then opened up about her health struggles: "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 have been taking care of." She revealed that she's been receiving treatments at Vanderbilt, but assured fans it's nothing major.

The country star even took a lighthearted jab at the AI-generated image of herself and Reba McEntire that sparked rumors about her health. "Did you see that AI picture of Reba [McEntire] and me? Woo, lordy, I mean, they had Reba at my deathbed...I thought, oh my Lord, if I was really dying, I don't think Reba would be the one at my deathbed," she laughed.

In his will, Dean also mentioned there may be a handwritten note outlining where specific personal items should be given in the event of his passing. If that note is not located, Parton, 79, will be responsible for distributing those possessions herself. She has also requested to be appointed executor of his estate

In related news, Parton's younger sister, Freida, shared a Facebook post asking for prayers for her sister amid health challenges. However, in a follow-up update, Freida clarified that Dolly had been feeling "a little under the weather" and didn't mean to cause alarm.

This comes after Parton canceled her December performance in Las Vegas due to health concerns. In September, she also missed an event at her Dollywood theme park, fueling speculation about her well-being.

As fans continue to show their love and support for Parton, one thing is clear: the country music icon is not going anywhere anytime soon! With a career spanning over five decades, Parton has proven time and again that she's a force to be reckoned with. And judging by her latest updates, it seems like she's ready to take on whatever life throws her way.

Parton and her late husband's love story is a decades-spanning one, that dates back to the 60s. They had met outside of a Nashville laundromat in 1964 when the then-aspiring singer was new to town. Just two years after meeting, they tied the knot

In a statement to The Scholarly Note, a representative for Dolly Parton said: "Dolly is doing just fine, thank you for asking. She's always been a person of strong faith and has learned to appreciate the importance of taking care of herself. We're grateful for all the love and support from her fans."

As we continue to follow Parton's journey, one thing is certain – she remains an inspiration to us all, both on and off stage.

Dean's will being released comes just shortly after the singer shared a social media post to address concerns about her health amid ongoing fan speculation; pictured in June 2024

Earlier this week, she posted a video to clear up conflicting reports about her health condition ever since she canceled several public appearances; pictured in March 2022

Then, she explained that she has been getting 'a few treatments here and there' since she 'didn't take care' of herself while mourning her businessman husband following his death; pictured in May 2023