Country music icon Dolly Parton has confirmed that she is actively exploring the potential of “avatar performances.” As the legendary singer-songwriter looks toward the future, she is seeking innovative methods to maintain her connection with audiences, particularly after navigating a series of recent health challenges.

In a recent interview with People, Parton revealed that she and her team have been in discussions with companies specializing in digital avatar technology. While she noted that these projects remain in the “early stages of development,” the move signals a growing trend among veteran artists looking to preserve their legacy and continue performing through high-tech mediums.

The conversation surrounding digital likenesses in music has intensified recently, following the announcement of an AI avatar for the late heavy metal pioneer Ozzy Osbourne. While that project faced mixed reactions from the public, the Osbourne family has defended the initiative, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the digital representation remains tasteful and authentic to the artist’s vision.

For Parton, the exploration of new performance avenues comes at a time of personal reflection. The singer has been candid about the impact of grief following the passing of her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, in March of last year. She has openly discussed feeling “worn down and worn out” during this period, which led to the difficult decision to postpone her planned residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Despite these hurdles, Parton remains resilient. After a period of focusing on her physical and emotional recovery, she made a triumphant return to the public eye in March, delivering a keynote speech at Dollywood. She reassured fans that she is building herself back up and remains as dedicated to her craft as ever, proving that even as she explores the digital frontier, her spirit remains firmly rooted in the authentic connection she has built with her audience over decades.