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Country music legend Dolly Parton reportedly spent a week in Germany last year undergoing experimental cancer treatment, according to sources cited by TMZ. The iconic singer and philanthropist is said to have traveled discreetly by private jet to Frankfurt for the therapy, which reportedly helped restore some of her strength.
Dolly Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. The 10-time Grammy winner had asked her nephew Brian, her sister Cassie’s son, to share news of her passing when the time came. This news comes amid recent revelations about her personal life, including details about her unconventional marriage to her husband Carl Dean.
Before her death, Dolly had been hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, where she was treated for kidney and autoimmune complications. In a candid interview with PEOPLE just days prior, she opened up about her health struggles, saying, “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.”
Reflecting on past health challenges, Dolly recalled a difficult period in the early 1980s when she faced “female issues” and weight struggles. “It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” she said.
She also touched on the impact of social media, noting, “Because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI!”
Despite her health challenges, Dolly remained determined to keep working. “Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! I’ve dreamed myself into a corner, and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”
Dolly also revealed she had to cancel a Las Vegas residency during her recovery. She expressed frustration about having to back out of commitments but acknowledged, “I just couldn’t do the shows at the level I would want them to be.” Looking ahead, she said she would not tour as extensively but planned to do special performances.
Innovatively, Dolly discussed working with companies developing avatar performances, highlighting the possibilities of technology. “I’m hopin’ to launch a big show like that right here in Nashville soon,” she said with a smile.
“I won’t have to show up in person but I still get paid! Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.”
Dolly Parton’s legacy as a trailblazer and beloved cultural icon continues to inspire many, even as she faced her final chapter with grace and determination.