Dolly Parton's pals fear she could die from 'heartbreak' as her health declines after husband's death
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Dolly Parton's close friends are growing increasingly concerned for the country legend’s health following the death of her husband, Carl Dean.
Sources close to Parton reveal that the singer is struggling emotionally, grappling with memories of Dean who died on March 3.
Insider on Dolly Parton's health after her husband Carl Dean's death
On the 79-year-old singer's health, a source close to her shared that she is currently "taking medicines for high blood pressure and brittle bones."
"There is a major concern that having to deal with the aftermath and devastation of losing Carl, who had been by her side since practically day one, is going to make her own health decline," they added.
Furthermore, Parton's friends fear that the singer could die from "heartbreak."
"She devoted herself to caring for him, but in the end, Carl didn't recognize people, had quit eating, and Parton could see the light fading from his eyes. She sweetly told him, 'You can let go now Carl, just know I will always love you.'" the source noted.
Despite being busy with work for years, Parton remained by Dean's side during his final days, but by then, he was already fading, as per RadarOnline. Now, the source says the '9 to 5' star is feeling more alone than ever without him.
"Dolly has friends, of course, but right now she just wants to be left alone with her thoughts and memories of Carl. She secretly had always hoped she would pass before Carl – because she couldn’t imagine her world without him," they expressed.
Physician gives insights on how traumatic events affect a person's health
Dr Gabe Mirkin, a physician who has not treated Dolly Parton, discussed the link between traumatic events and a person’s health, offering insight that may help the singer's friends better understand her current struggles and the impact of her grief following her husband's death.
Dr Mirkin explained, "Stress, grief, and sorrow absolutely increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death after losing a loved one. There is more stress on the caretaker than the demented person since the caretaker knows what’s going on."
"That grief and stress causes inflammation and weakens the immune system," he added.
Parton is no stranger to health challenges. In the early 1980s, she collapsed on stage due to endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to a partial hysterectomy and the end of her ability to have children.
More recently, in 2019, she faced a battle with Bell's palsy, requiring a four-month recovery.
Dolly Parton said she 'will always love' Carl Dean during first public appearance after his death
On March 14, Dolly Parton made her first public appearance after the death of her husband, surprising fans and Dollywood season pass holders at the opening celebration of the theme park’s 40th season in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
During the event, she spoke fondly of her late husband, sharing, "I will always love him, and I miss him."
With a hint of humor, she added, "I need to laugh. I need some fun, so I’m probably gonna be stupid. I’ve been crying enough the last week or two.” She connected with the loyal crowd, showing both vulnerability and strength.
