7 Unbelievable Things Dolly Parton Is Doing Right Now (December 2025 Update)

Dolly Parton, the undisputed Queen of Country and a global icon of philanthropy and business, shows no signs of slowing down as of this December 2025. Despite a packed schedule that includes new music, a massive symphonic tour, and a brand-new musical, the legendary singer continues to manage an empire that spans theme parks, book-gifting programs, and a growing hotel chain. Her current activities prove that at 79, her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit are as vibrant as ever, making her one of the most active and inspiring figures in entertainment today.

The latest updates, however, also include a candid look at the health challenges that have recently forced her to adjust her demanding schedule, providing a rare glimpse into the personal life of the famously private star. From her ambitious 2026 tour plans to a deeply personal new album, here is everything you need to know about what Dolly Parton is doing right now and what's coming next.

Dolly Parton: A Snapshot Biography and Latest Milestones

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Sevier County, Tennessee. The fourth of 12 children, her humble beginnings have fueled a career that has spanned over six decades, resulting in her being one of the most honored female country artists of all time.

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• Full Name: Dolly Rebecca Parton
• Date of Birth: January 19, 1946
• Place of Birth: Sevier County, Tennessee, U.S.
• Spouse: Carl Thomas Dean (m. 1966)
• Occupation: Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actress, author, businesswoman, humanitarian.
• Key Nicknames: The Queen of Country, The Smoky Mountain Songbird, The Backwoods Barbie.
• Net Worth (Estimate): Over $650 million (2025).
• Total Albums: 65 studio albums (as of 2025).
• Recent Major Milestones:
  • 2023: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Released *Rockstar* album.
  • 2024: Inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) for her work with Dollywood.
  • 2025: Released a new compilation album celebrating Dollywood's 40th season in May.
  • 2025: Announced the premiere of her original musical at Belmont's Fisher Center in Nashville.

The 7 Biggest Projects and Updates Driving Dolly Parton's Empire Now

Despite turning 79 in early 2025, Dolly Parton’s business and creative engine is operating at full throttle. Her current endeavors are a blend of new artistic ventures, major touring commitments, and significant expansions of her philanthropic and hospitality portfolios.

1. The Premiere of a Brand-New Original Musical

In a major artistic announcement, Dolly Parton unveiled plans for a new original musical, slated to premiere at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville in January 2025. This project represents a significant new creative chapter, moving beyond her existing catalog to develop a fresh narrative for the stage. The musical is highly anticipated by fans and the theater community, promising the storytelling charm and powerful music that are hallmarks of her career. This move into new theatrical works solidifies her status not just as a songwriter but as a major theatrical producer and creator.

2. The Highly-Anticipated ‘Smoky Mountain DNA’ Album and Docuseries

Dolly is preparing to release a deeply personal new album and docuseries titled *Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables*. This project is an exploration of her rich family heritage and is expected to feature collaborations with various members of the Parton family. The album will delve into the roots of her music and storytelling, offering fans an intimate look at the people and places that shaped her legendary career. Promoting this new album is a major focus of her schedule in late 2025 and early 2026, tying into her lifelong commitment to celebrating her Appalachian roots.

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3. The Expansion of the ‘Threads: My Songs in Symphony’ Tour

Following a successful debut in 2025, Parton’s multimedia symphonic experience, “Threads: My Songs in Symphony,” is expanding with a major tour planned for 2026. The tour is set to visit 12 U.S. cities with 27 performances, including dates at prestigious venues like Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh. This unique concert format combines her iconic songs with a full symphony orchestra, creating a grand, cinematic experience that celebrates her discography in a new, powerful way. The expansion underscores the massive demand for her live performance, even in a non-traditional format.

4. Health Setbacks and Postponed Las Vegas Residency

A significant current update involves Dolly’s health, which has caused her to adjust her typically relentless schedule. She was forced to miss an event in November 2025 and postponed her Las Vegas residency shows at the end of 2025 until September 2026. Rumors about her health circulated, but Dolly has insisted she is doing "better every day" and is on the road to recovery. This temporary pause serves as a reminder of her humanity and the physical demands of her career, but her commitment to rescheduling the shows demonstrates her dedication to her fans.

5. The Global Reach of the Imagination Library in 2025

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library remains one of her most impactful philanthropic ventures, mailing over a million free, high-quality books to children each month across the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. The program is fully operational in 2025, with the official 2025 Core Book List already published, ensuring millions of children from birth to age five continue to receive age-appropriate books. The library's continued success is a testament to Dolly's vision of fostering a love of reading and literacy from an early age, cementing her legacy as a humanitarian.

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6. The Dollywood 40th Season Celebration and New Compilation

Dollywood, the theme park that is the heart of her Tennessee empire, is celebrating its 40th season. To mark the occasion, Dolly released a new compilation album in May 2025 through her Butterfly Records label. This celebration highlights the enduring success of the park as a major tourist destination and a crucial part of the local economy. The park continues to evolve, drawing millions of visitors annually and serving as a physical manifestation of her Smoky Mountain heritage.

7. Expanding the Hospitality Empire with SongTeller Hotel and Travel Stop Partnership

Dolly's business empire is expanding further into the hospitality sector. Her new hotel, the Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel, is a key focus, with updates scheduled for late 2025. Furthermore, she has partnered with Tennessean Travel Stop to rebrand its flagship Cornersville, TN location in Summer 2026. This strategic partnership will bring "fresh energy for families" and travelers, further integrating her brand into the state's travel and tourism infrastructure. These ventures demonstrate her savvy as a businesswoman, continually finding new ways to monetize her brand and invest in her home state.

Dolly Parton’s Enduring Legacy and What the Future Holds

Dolly Parton’s current activities in December 2025 paint a picture of an artist who is not resting on her laurels but is instead actively shaping her own legacy. From the intimate, family-focused album *Smoky Mountain DNA* to the grand scale of the “Threads” symphonic tour, her projects are diverse and ambitious. The new musical and the expansion of her hospitality ventures, including the SongTeller Hotel, show her commitment to innovation in both art and business.

While the recent health issues have necessitated a temporary slowdown, her resilience and determination to return to the stage are clear. Fans can look forward to the rescheduled Las Vegas residency in September 2026 and the continued growth of the Imagination Library, which remains a bedrock of her philanthropic work. Dolly Parton now is a powerful force of creativity, charity, and commerce, proving that her iconic status is built on a foundation of hard work and an unwavering connection to her audience.