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Pulse development · 1 cited source · September 3, 2026

Caregivers can put their own health care aside

CNN reports that 23% of caregivers find it difficult to pay attention to their own health while caring for another person.

CNN’s reporting on Dolly Parton’s remarks about caring for her late husband puts caregiver self-neglect at the center of the discussion. Parton said that while her husband Carl was sick, she did not take care of herself and let health matters go that she should have addressed. CNN reports that Carl Dean died in March 2025 after being ill for quite a while. The article cites a National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP report in which 23% of caregivers said they found it difficult to pay attention to their own health while caring for another. CNN says the percentage is higher for female, LGBTQ+, Latino and lower-income caregivers. The article also describes Nancy Slavin, who cared for her mother near Portland, Oregon and had delayed routine cancer screenings for years.

Evidence

Each statement shown below is a verified claim this source supports.

01
Dolly Parton’s health struggles highlights a crisis facing caregivers | CNNTrusted reporting · cnn.com · Aug 27
  • Caregivers can put their own health care aside.
  • CNN reports that 23% of caregivers find it difficult to pay attention to their own health while caring for another person.
  • CNN’s reporting on Dolly Parton’s remarks about caring for her late husband puts caregiver self-neglect at the center of the discussion.
  • Parton said that while her husband Carl was sick, she did not take care of herself and let health matters go that she should have addressed.
  • CNN reports that Carl Dean died in March 2025 after being ill for quite a while.
  • The article cites a National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP report in which 23% of caregivers said they found it difficult to pay attention to their own health while caring for another.
  • CNN says the percentage is higher for female, LGBTQ+, Latino and lower-income caregivers.
  • The article describes Nancy Slavin, who cared for her mother near Portland, Oregon and had delayed routine cancer screenings for years.

Developments in this issue

01More adults are balancing children, parents and workA Pew report cited by the New York Post says more than half of Americans in their 40s are in the sandwich generation, while Care.com survey findings describe career and financial strain.
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