Dolly Parton thanks IAAPA for inducting her into the Hall of Fame with thoughtful video message, reminiscing about Dollywood’s early days.
Dolly Parton is giving thanks after a tough year.
After missing shows due to health challenges, the country music legend shared a touching message for her fans on Thanksgiving Day.
“Okay! It’s Dolly here, and I want to bless all of you and your families this Thanksgiving,” Parton happily said in a video posted to Instagram on Thursday, November 27. “I’m so grateful for all of you and the memories we’ve shared over the years.”
He nodded to one of his hit songs in his message. “Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving, and just know that I will always love you.”
The country star’s message comes after a tumultuous year as she deals with ongoing health issues following the death of her husband Carl Dean.
She tried to calm worried fans in October, noting that after Dean’s death she “didn’t take care of myself” and “let go of a lot of things that I should have taken care of.”
“I know lately everyone thinks I’m sicker than I am,” Parton said in a video posted to Instagram in October. He captioned the post, “I’m not dead yet!”
“Do I look sick to you?” Parton said in the video. “I’m working hard here!”
Earlier this month, the country legend was to be inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame in Orlando, Florida, but he could not attend.
He admitted in a video message shared on Dollywood’s Instagram page.
“I’m sure I wish I was with you in person today, but you’ve probably heard that I’ve been dealing with some health challenges this fall, and my doctors have just told me to take it easy for a while,” Parton said in the video. “I’m really sorry I couldn’t be there, but I certainly wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you for this incredible honor.”
She also accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award via video, although prior to the Honorary Oscar ceremony at the Governors Awards, delegates said she would not be able to attend due to a schedule conflict.
“We didn’t have a lot to share, but my mama and daddy showed me that the more you give, the more blessings come to you,” Parton said in the video acceptance. “And I’ve been blessed more than I ever dreamed possible, like this award tonight.”
Although he has not detailed his health challenges, he has maintained a positive outlook. “Everyone says, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80.’ Okay, so what?” he said in a sit-down interview with People. “If you allow yourself to grow old, you will. I say, ‘I don’t have time to grow old!'”
Contributing: Anna Kauffman, Brian Alexander, USA TODAY
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