Dolly Parton Skips More Appearances, 'Dealing With A Few Health Challenges'

Dolly Parton recently addressed her ongoing “health challenges” as she missed a few more public events.

Parton, 79, was unable to accept the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in person at the 16th Governors Awards, which took place on November 16 in Hollywood, California. She also couldn’t attend an International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions on November 17. However, the legendary country artist shared a pre-recorded message as she was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Dollywood Parks & Resorts, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Parton accepted both honors virtually.

“I sure wish I could be with you in person today,” Parton said in a message shared for her IAAPA. “But you’ve probably heard that I’ve been dealing with a few health challenges this fall, and my doctors told me to take it easy for just a little while, and I’m truly sorry I can’t be there. But I sure wanted to take the chance to say thank you for this incredible honor. …I will always love you, and thank you again.”

Parton said in her pre-recorded acceptance of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (which was presented by Lily Tomlin, who starred alongside Parton in 9 to 5) that it’s a “blessing of a lifetime. …From my heart to yours, I truly thank you.”

PEOPLE cited “a source close to Parton” in an update on the singer-songwriter’s health in the publication’s cover story earlier this month. That unnamed source said “Dolly is getting better every day. She is at home taking care of herself while many friends and family visit her. …In true Dolly spirit she has already started decorating for the holidays — her favorite time of year.”

Parton said she’d “had a little problem,” when she missed a Dollywood event in September. she explained at that time that a kidneys tone had “given me an infection. …Don’t worry about me. I’m gonna be OK.” She also postponed her Las Vegas residency because of “health challenges.” Her sister, Freida Parton, 68, asked others to join her in praying for the country star, which prompted some concern among fans. Freida clarified she didn’t mean “to scare anyone,” and Parton spoke out with her own message.

The “I Will Always Love You” icon explained she “didn’t take care of myself” after she lost her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, in March. He was 82. Parton said her health issues were “nothing major, but I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home…But I wanted you to know that I’m not dying,” she said. “There’s just a lot of rumors flying around, but I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was OK.”