As Dolly Parton faces the emotional and physical strain of caring for her husband Carl Dean during his battle with Alzheimer’s,

the iconic country music star has also been preparing for her own eventual passing.
In a revealing update, sources have confirmed that Parton, 79, began making funeral arrangements last year,
as she confronted the reality of aging and the loss of several loved ones in recent years.

Parton’s inner circle expressed concern about the toll her work commitments and caregiving responsibilities have taken on her health.

Despite the worry, the “9 to 5” singer has remained fiercely dedicated to her career, her fans, and her family.

Sources close to the star have noted that Parton has been pushing herself to the limit,
balancing her demanding work schedule with caring for Carl, who passed away on March 3 at 82. Carl’s battle with Alzheimer’s had been a challenge for the couple, but Dolly remained by his side, refusing to let her personal life slow her down.
Parton’s decision to start planning her funeral followed a series of emotional losses, including the deaths of close friends and fellow musicians, Loretta Lynn, Naomi Judd, and Kenny Rogers, as well as her brother Randy in 2021. Each passing affected Dolly deeply, and she acknowledged the overwhelming impact these losses had on her. “I lost three of my dearest people in a very short period of time,” she said, reflecting on the emotional toll of the past few years.
Though she has acknowledged that she is in her golden years, Parton remains as driven as ever. In 2022, she made the decision to step back from touring, but continued to work tirelessly on various projects, including the release of her wine collection. “You have to stay gone so long on a tour to make it productive and prosperous, and that’s a lot of time at my age – I ain’t got no years to waste,” she explained. Despite reducing her touring schedule, Dolly has kept herself busy with numerous other endeavors, such as her charity work, overseeing Dollywood, and preparing her massive catalog of unreleased music for posthumous release.

Parton’s forward-thinking approach includes not only making arrangements for her final resting place but also ensuring that her legacy lives on through her music. “I’ve got thousands of songs ready for release after I’m gone,” she revealed. Parton made it clear that she does not want her material to be left in limbo, referencing the legacies of artists like Prince and Aretha Franklin, who didn’t plan for their music to be properly managed after their deaths. Parton is taking steps to ensure that her extensive catalog is carefully handled when the time comes.
However, those closest to Dolly are concerned that she is working herself too hard. “She’s running on hardly any sleep, working out every day, plus rehearsing, overseeing Dollywood, her charity, and taking care of Carl,” a source revealed. “She’s amazing, but nobody is indestructible.” Despite these concerns, Dolly remains resolute in her commitment to her work, her family, and her fans.
In addition to managing her career and personal life, Parton has also been focused on her estate planning, which includes organizing her $600 million fortune. “You don’t want to leave that mess to your family for people to have to fight over,” she said, stressing the importance of taking care of her affairs to avoid complications down the line.

Parton has even thought about how she wants to be remembered after her death. Her vision for her funeral is one that reflects her joyful and vibrant personality, describing it as a “happy star-studded celebration.” She also shared that her father’s favorite song, “If We Never Meet Again,” would be played at her funeral, as it holds a special place in her heart. “We sang it at his funeral, and I would like it to be sung at mine,” she explained, ensuring that her personal touch would be felt even after she’s gone.
Despite her meticulous preparations, Parton’s ultimate hope is to pass away while doing what she loves. “I would hopefully drop dead in the middle of a song on stage someday,” she once said. While she may not have much control over the timing of her death, Parton’s life continues to be a testament to her work ethic, her love for her fans, and her commitment to making the most of every moment.
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