Dolly Parton, at 77, remains a household name in both country music and the celebrity world. The Tennessee native has become a legend, beloved for entertaining fans throughout her life. However, the iconic superstar recently announced she will stop touring, though she continues to create new music.

In a recent interview, Dolly explained that while she’s stepping back from full tours, she’ll still perform occasionally at special events or festivals. She said, “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.”

Despite stepping away from touring, the 77-year-old will continue making music. Instead of focusing on travel, she plans to spend more time with her husband, Carl Thomas Dean. Dolly and Carl’s love story began in 1964 when they met outside a laundromat in Nashville. Dolly was 18, and Carl was 21. Recalling their first encounter, Carl 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.”

Carl and Dolly married in 1966 in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, with only Dolly’s mother in attendance. The couple decided to keep their wedding secret to avoid media attention. They’ve been deeply in love ever since, celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2016 by renewing their vows. Now, they’ll have more time to enjoy each other’s company as Dolly takes a step back from the rigors of touring.

Dolly explained that touring requires immense energy, something she’s done her entire life. “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,” she shared. Dolly also expressed concerns about being away if something were to happen at home, saying, “I would feel bad if I had to leave a tour if somebody got sick at home and needed me.”

Despite retiring from touring, Dolly remains active in music. She’s working on a new album, with a focus on rock ‘n’ roll, a genre she’s exploring for her husband, who’s a fan of hard rock. Dolly was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and she saw it as the perfect time to create an album. “I had always wanted to do it. My husband is a big hard rock ‘n’ roll fan, and for years I thought, ‘One of these days I’d like to do an album mainly just for him.'”

Along with her new album, Dolly recently starred in a special titled Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas, which premiered on NBC. In the show, Dolly plays herself, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of putting together a holiday production.

Dolly is also collaborating with Reese Witherspoon on a new film adaptation of the novel Run, Rose, Run, which she co-wrote with James Patterson. Dolly remains as busy as ever, creating content for both music and film.

Dolly’s decision to stop touring is a reminder of how much she’s given to her career and her fans. In the 1980s, she struggled with health issues, including endometriosis, but pushed herself to keep performing. At one point, she even collapsed on stage during a performance in Indianapolis, leading to the cancellation of her tour.

Her diagnosis of endometriosis, which caused pain, heavy periods, and fatigue, eventually required a partial hysterectomy. Reflecting on her experience, Dolly admitted she hadn’t been taking care of herself properly, saying, “I was getting away with murder. I wasn’t watching what I ate, I wasn’t conscious of nutrition, wasn’t taking care of myself. I was working hard, and underneath I was a pile of personal and emotional problems.”

Dolly’s health journey serves as a testament to her strength and resilience. Now, she can enjoy her well-deserved time at home, surrounded by family and continuing her creative endeavors without the demanding schedule of touring.

Enjoy your ‘retirement,’ Dolly! You’ve given so much to the world of music, and now it’s time for you to relax and enjoy life. Your fans will always love and appreciate you!