Watch Dolly Parton’s video message after missing an event: ‘Please take it easy’
Dolly Parton thanked IAAPA for her Hall of Fame induction in a thoughtful video message, recalling Dollywood’s early days.
Dolly Parton is expressing gratitude after a difficult year.
After missing the event as he continues to battle health challenges, the country music legend shared a heartwarming message with fans on Thanksgiving Day.
“Hi! It’s Dolly here and I wish you and your families a blessed Thanksgiving this Thanksgiving,” Parton cheerfully said in a video posted to Instagram on Thursday, Nov. 27. “I’m so grateful for all of you and the memories we’ve shared over the years.”
She gave a nod to one of her hit songs in her message. “Happy Thanksgiving everyone. And please know that I will always love you.”
The legendary country star’s message comes after a tumultuous year in which she has dealt with ongoing health issues following the death of her husband Karl Dean.
In October, she tried to calm worried fans by pointing out that she “didn’t take care of herself” and “let go of a lot of things that I should have taken care of” after Dean’s death.
“I know everyone thinks you’re sicker than me these days,” Parton said in a video posted to Instagram in October, with the caption, “I’m not dead yet!”
“Do I look sick to you?” Parton said in the video. “I’m doing my best here!”
Earlier this month, the country legend was inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame in Orlando, Florida, but was unable to attend.
She instead accepted in a video message shared on Dollywood’s Instagram page.
“I wish I could have been with you in person today, but as you know I’ve been dealing with some health issues this fall, and my doctor has told me to take some time off,” Parton said in the video. “I am truly disappointed that I will not be able to attend, but I wanted to express my gratitude for this wonderful honor.”
She also accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award via video, but her agent informed her well before the honorary Oscar ceremony that scheduling conflicts would prevent her from attending.
“We didn’t have much to share, but mom and dad taught us that the more you give, the more blessings will come to you,” Parton said in a video acceptance video. “And like this award tonight, I have been blessed beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of.”
Although she has not revealed details about her health issues, she remains positive. “Everyone says, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old,'” she said in a sit-down interview with People magazine. “If you allow yourself to get older, you will get older. I say, ‘There’s no time to get older!'”
Contributors: Anna Kaufman, Brian Alexander, USA TODAY
