Dolly Parton shares ‘some good news, and a little bad news’ about her health
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) – Dolly Parton, known as the Queen of Country, shared a health update on social media Monday with “some good news, and a little bad news.”
Parton, 80, posted a video on social media saying that her health will require her to continue to avoid the stage. She said she is recovering from kidney stones as well as immune and digestive system issues, and has canceled her Las Vegas residency.
“Lord, they dig more stones out of me a year than the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee,” she said.
Parton said she was responding “really well” to medications and treatments but would still need time to recuperate. The treatments, she said, made her a little “swimmy-headed,” as her grandmother used to say.
“And of course, I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on five-inch heels, and you know that I’m going to be wearing them,” she joked. “Not to mention all those heavy rhinestone outfits, the big hair, my big…personality.”
Despite her break from the stage, Parton assured fans that she was still working, saying she was recording videos, visiting Dollywood and working on opening a museum and hotel in Nashville. She also said she was reworking her Broadway musical, “Dolly: A True Original Musical.”
Parton also thanked her fans for the love and support that came after the death of Carl Dean, her husband of almost 60 years. Dean died in 2025.
“So yes, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. You have been a big part of my healing,” she said.
In a message full of jokes and thank yous, she ended the video with one final bit of gratitude toward her fans.
“I just want you to know I thank you for standing by me and that I will always love you,” she said.
You can watch her full video announcement below:
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