Dolly Parton Announces Retirement from Touring but Continues Making Music
Dolly Parton, the legendary country music star and beloved celebrity, has officially announced her retirement from touring. While she will no longer embark on full-blown tours, she plans to occasionally perform special shows, including weekend performances or festival appearances.

“I’ll do special shows here and there, now and then. Maybe do a long weekend of shows, or just a few shows at a festival. But I have no intention of going on a full-blown tour anymore.” – Dolly Parton

Parton, who rose to stardom from humble beginnings in the Appalachian Mountains, has had an illustrious career in the music industry. Despite her decision to retire from touring, she will continue to create music and focus on spending quality time with her husband, Carl Thomas Dean.

In 1964, Parton and Dean met outside a laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee, and it was love at first sight for Dean. Reflecting on their meeting, Dean said, “My first thought was, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl.’ My second thought was, ‘Lord she’s good lookin’.’ And that was the day my life began.”

The couple got married in 1966 in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, defying the wishes of Parton’s record label. They have remained deeply in love throughout the years and celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2016 by renewing their vows.

In her interview with Pollstar, Parton shared her reasons for retiring from touring, citing the desire to stay closer to home with her husband and the importance of being available for her loved ones in case of need. She expressed concerns about being away for extended periods and the potential for emergencies arising.

“I’ve done that my whole life, and it takes so much time and energy. I like to stay a little closer to home with my husband. We’re getting older now, and I don’t want to be gone for four or five weeks at a time… Something could happen. I would not feel right about that if I were gone and somebody needed me. Or I would feel bad if I had to leave a tour if somebody got sick at home and needed me and then I had to walk out on the fans.” – Dolly Parton

While retiring from touring, Parton remains dedicated to her music career. She revealed that her current musical creations will focus on the rock ‘n’ roll genre, catering to her husband’s love for that style. Parton was recently nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, inspiring her to pursue an album in the genre.

Dolly Parton poses with American country music singer-songwriter Loretta Lynn circa 1997 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ron Davis/Getty Images)
Aside from her music endeavors, Parton has been involved in various projects. She recently premiered a special on NBC called “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas,” which showcases the behind-the-scenes aspects of putting together a show. Additionally, she is collaborating with actress Reese Witherspoon on an upcoming film adaptation of the novel “Run, Rose, Run,” which Parton co-wrote with James Patterson.

Dolly Parton’s decision to retire from touring marks a new chapter in her life. Despite the challenges she has faced in the past, including health issues and personal struggles, Parton remains an icon of strength and resilience. Her immense contributions to the music industry and her enduring charisma will continue to be celebrated and cherished by fans around the world.

Dolly, we thank you for all the joy you’ve brought us throughout your career, and we wish you a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement. You will always be loved and admired.