Inside Dolly Parton's final days before death

Dolly Parton’s faith remained one of her biggest sources of strength as she faced serious health challenges in the final years of her life.

The country music icon, who died at 80, had continued working and looking ahead despite her health struggles. 

Just days before her death, Parton spoke openly about her condition while reflecting on the years she spent caring for her late husband, Carl Dean.

“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” Parton told People magazine.

But slowing down was clearly not part of her plan.

“I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — 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.”

Those close to Parton say her optimism was deeply connected to her Christian faith. Raised around religion, Parton often spoke about God as a guiding force in both her personal life and career.

“From the time that Dolly Parton was born, she was surrounded by faith, by God, by Jesus. Her grandfather was a preacher,” a source said.

The source added, “I think she truly put her life in his hands and said, ‘When it’s my time to go, it’ll be my time to go.’”

Parton had previously described prayer as her way of getting through difficult moments.

“I pray every day. To me, it’s my salvation. It helps me through everything,” she said in 2020.

Even last year, Parton made it clear she believed she still had work to do.

“I feel like I’m supposed to be doing things and I will quit when God tells me to quit and I won’t quit anytime before that,” she said.

For Parton, faith, purpose and a little stubborn determination appeared to go hand in hand until the very end.