Dolly Parton ‘Quietly’ Planning Her Own Funeral

Dolly Parton may still sparkle with optimism, but behind closed doors, sources say the country legend is quietly confronting her own mortality — and has already begun planning her funeral.

According to insiders, the deeply personal move isn’t driven by fear, but by a desire for control after a string of emotional and physical blows. As Parton enters her 80s and steps back from the spotlight, those close to her say she wants to make sure her final chapter reflects celebration, music, and color — not mourning.

“She doesn’t want tears and silence,” one source told us. “Dolly wants joy, laughter, and songs. She wants people smiling through their tears.”

The planning comes amid growing concern from fans as Parton has scaled back public appearances. Last year, she postponed multiple Las Vegas residency dates after suffering kidney stones, and more recently, she’s appeared only by video to accept major honors — fueling speculation that something deeper may be going on.

Although Parton has insisted she’s not retiring and famously declared, “I’m not ready to die yet,” insiders say recent events have forced her into reflection.

“She’s still working, still dreaming, still Dolly,” a source said. “But she’s also realistic. She’s tying up emotional loose ends.”

Life After Carl Dean Changed Everything

Friends say the turning point came after the devastating loss of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, who died in March at 82. The famously private marriage was the anchor of Parton’s life, and insiders say his death shattered her sense of normalcy.

“Carl was her safe place,” one insider revealed. “When he died, the quiet became overwhelming. That’s when she really started thinking about what comes next.”

Sources say Parton spent years caring for Dean during his battle with dementia, putting her own needs second. After his passing, the emotional weight reportedly hit hard — especially as health issues forced her to cancel shows and slow down.

“She’s always used work to cope,” a source said. “Being forced to stop made her sit with feelings she’d avoided for decades.”

An ‘Uplifting’ Goodbye — On Her Terms

Insiders claim Parton has made it clear she wants her funeral held in her hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee, and to feel more like a reunion than a farewell. Music will dominate the service, including the gospel song “If We Never Meet Again,” which she has openly said she wants played because it was her father’s favorite.

“She’s thought about everything,” a source said. “The songs. The tone. The message. Even the mood.”

Parton has long joked about death, once saying she hoped to “drop dead in the middle of a song on stage.” But insiders say the humor masks a deeper truth — she’s determined to leave this world the same way she lived in it: loudly, lovingly, and on her own terms.

For now, sources insist Parton is still pushing forward creatively. But behind the rhinestones and smiles, she’s preparing for the one thing even legends can’t outrun.