The country singer discussed her decision to take a step back from writing songs whilst she was on Khloe Kardashians podcast 'Khloe in Wonderland'. Parton opened up about her grief of her late husband, Carl Dean, who passed away, aged 82, in March of this year.
The couple met in 1964 after Parton moved to Nashville to further her music career, they married two years later. Although Dean was not often seen publicly with Parton, she expresses that he was her rock behind the scenes. Parton shared to Instagram shortly after Dean's death, “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.”
Parton explains on the 'Khloe in Wonderland' podcast that her grief is her top priority at this moment, she told the Kardashian about her songwriting that, “I can’t do it right now because I got so many other things that I can’t afford the luxury of, you know, of getting emotional right now." She stated that she will make music again and if an idea comes to her she will just put it on hold until she is ready. She tells Khloe,"My husband passed away three months ago… Several things I’ve wanted to start, but I can’t do it. I will later, but I’m just coming up with such wonderful, beautiful ideas. But I think I won’t finish it."
Parton also discussed her life long love for songwriting on the Kardashian's podcast. She explains that even though it is her career, it is also how she finds meaning and purpose,"It happens just to be my job, but it is also my joy,” she said. Parton made it clear that when she is ready, she will return to writing, she said "Everything begins with a story or a song… I think that’s one of the reasons I love to write, because I feel like I’m so connected to God right then.”
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Parton is taking a step back from songwriting, however she is keeping herself busy with 'Dolly: An Original Musical', it has also been stated that she will have a short residency in Las Vegas between December 4th and December 13th, 2025. She is set to perform in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace for six shows. The country singer expresses her excitement to return to Vegas as she says, "to say I’m excited would be an understatement. I haven’t worked Vegas in years and I’ve always loved singing there.”
