The recent death of Dolly Parton, following a prolonged battle with cancer, has drawn attention to the significant toll caregiving can take on health. Parton, 79, revealed in a video update last year that she had neglected her own health while caring for her late husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March 2025, reports BritPanorama.
In the video entitled “I ain’t dead yet!”, Parton stated, “Back when my husband Carl was sick, that was a long time, and then he passed, I didn’t take care of myself, so I let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of.” This admission raised concerns about the challenges faced by caregivers and the risk of neglecting their own well-being.
Parton’s struggles resonate with many caregivers across the United States. According to figures from the National Alliance for Caregiving, about 63 million Americans currently serve as caregivers, often at the expense of their health. Jason Resendez, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, emphasized, “The data shows this is happening in millions of homes across America. Caregivers’ health is worn down by the labor of care. Even with her privilege, Dolly is not an exception.”
Caregiving comes with a serious health risk
Research indicates that 23% of caregivers find it challenging to prioritize their own health while tending to others. This figure is notably higher among female, LGBTQ+, Latino, and lower-income caregivers. The pressures of caregiving often leave little time for self-care, creating a pervasive cycle of neglect that can have serious consequences.
Nancy Slavin, a 57-year-old caregiver from Portland, Oregon, has experienced these challenges firsthand. Caring for her elderly mother, she has had to forsake regular health screenings, leading to health scares. “Ultimately, I love my mom and will never regret having done this,” she reflected, “but at the same time, I don’t want it to kill me because I am a mom, have a spouse, and I want a good life.”
Such accounts highlight the difficulty many caregivers face, overwhelmed by their responsibilities. While there are resources available, two-thirds of caregivers report experiencing emotional stress, with 45% struggling physically. Compounding these issues is a pronounced feeling of loneliness, as caregivers often miss social opportunities while focusing on their responsibilities.
Caregivers just don’t have the bandwidth
The logistical challenges of caregiving, especially regarding medical care, serve as further barriers to self-care. Allison Applebaum, director of the Steven S. Elbaum Family Center for Caregiving at Mount Sinai, noted, “It is impossible to schedule medical appointments these days, and how can you reliably do that while not being able to plan past tomorrow with the person you are caring for?”
Even when caregivers manage to allocate time for self-care, the emotional weight of their responsibilities can deter them. “You can’t distribute that work. You are the one person they will speak to,” said Heidi Lescanec, who cares for her mother from afar in Vancouver while dealing with her own health challenges.
The healthcare system should be paying attention
The role of unpaid family caregivers is significant, valued at an estimated $1 trillion in the U.S. health system. Yet, when accompanying a care recipient to appointments, caregivers often report that their own well-being is overlooked. “Only 15% have ever been asked by a provider what they need,” Resendez remarked, emphasizing the need for better support systems for caregivers.
Applebaum advocates for a systemic change, envisioning a healthcare approach that integrates caregiver assessments upon the registration of patients. Such a model could significantly enhance support structures, ensuring caregivers are not left to navigate their burdens alone.
In light of these revelations, Parton’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the need for greater awareness and support for caregivers, who often shoulder the weight of both physical and emotional labor in caring for others.
