How Dolly Parton's Health Journey Has Unfolded Over the Years

The country icon's health journey has come to light after one of Dolly Parton's beloved sisters spoke out about the star's well-being and pleaded for prayers from the public.

Behind that sparkling smile and rhinestone-studded persona, country music icon Dolly Parton has been facing health battles that have prompted her to cancel shows and appearances.

Aside from her recent health issues, the entertainment legend has opened up about other conditions in past interviews, such as her struggles with infertility.

Dolly Parton Pulls Out of Las Vegas Shows as Doctors Order Rest

On September 28, 2025, the beloved "Jolene" singer took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with her fans, revealing that she would need to postpone her upcoming Las Vegas concerts due to ongoing health concerns.

In a candid note, Parton acknowledged that while she's still able to work from home in Nashville, her doctors have advised her to undergo some medical procedures — prompting the difficult decision to temporarily step away from the stage.

With her trademark wit and warmth, Parton tried to soften the blow by joking about how this instance is yet another added to an extensive health check-up list, before clarifying that she simply needs a bit of time to rest and recover. Parton made it clear how she wants to be at her best for her fans, adding that she wasn't able to rehearse and deliver the caliber of performance they deserve properly.

The announcement came with a comforting reassurance that she's not stepping away from the spotlight permanently, as God has given her no indication that it is time for her to stop performing.

The affected concerts, originally scheduled to begin in early December 2025, have all been pushed back by nearly ten months, with new dates stretching into late September 2026. Ticket holders are also assured that their tickets remain valid for the rescheduled performances and that refunds will be available for those unable to attend.

Although Parton made it clear that she is not well enough to proceed with the scheduled shows, worried fans may rest assured that the star is not currently facing any severe health issues. According to Parton's UK manager, Olly Rowland, "It's just the kidney stones, and the procedure she needs to resolve those."

'I'm There with You in Spirit': Dolly Parton Misses Dollywood Appearance Due to Infection

Even before the Las Vegas bombshell, fans were already buzzing about Parton's sudden absence from a major appearance at her cherished Dollywood theme park. In a video message shared during the event — and later circulated online — the country legend addressed her absence with her signature warmth and sincerity.

"Hello, Dollywood. It's me. I know. I'm here. And you're there," she began, acknowledging the disappointment many attendees may have felt. With candor, she explained that a recent health scare had kept her home — "I had a kidney stone, which caused me a lot of problems. Turned out to be an infection."

Following medical advice, she was told not to travel and to rest for a few days to recover properly. Despite her physical absence, Parton made it clear that her heart was still with those gathered at the park. "I'm there with you in spirit," she said, noting how much she had looked forward to the event.

The occasion marked a celebration of a new attraction that Parton, along with her collaborators, had been working on for the past three years.

She described it with pride, calling it the "most expensive thing that's ever done," adding a playful charm to the announcement. "Don't worry about me. I'm gonna be okay. Just can't do it today," she added with a smile.

Though Parton kept the details of her recent illness brief during her Dollywood message, it wasn't the first time health issues had interrupted her plans or deeply affected her personal life. She has previously opened up about the toll chronic health struggles have taken on both her career and emotional well-being — experiences that date back decades.

The Pain Behind the Curtain: Surgery, Infertility, and Depression

In 1982, at the height of her fame, Parton canceled an entire tour after suffering from persistent abdominal pain and bleeding. The diagnosis? Endometriosis: a condition that causes tissue similar to the uterine lining to grow outside the uterus, which can result in severe pain, fertility problems, and long-term complications.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, endometriosis can significantly disrupt daily life, with effects that extend far beyond the reproductive system. The following years were particularly difficult for Parton after she was diagnosed.

In 1984, she underwent a partial hysterectomy — a procedure that dashed her hopes of having biological children. The emotional fallout was profound. The combination of physical pain and the devastating news led her into a period of deep depression. During this time, she also struggled with binge eating and reportedly had an emotional affair.

Parton opened up about her infertility during a 1987 interview with "Today" contributor Gloria Steinem. When asked why she never had children, the singer disclosed, "I can't have children physically. I love children."

She added, "I don't know that it also wasn't God's will, you know, for me not to have kids. I mean, I try to look at things in a way that I can put them in a proper place because somebody has to be out there doing something to entertain other people's children."

Reflecting on that difficult period during another instance, Parton admitted, "It was a really bad time," referencing the two-year depression she endured while stepping back from her career.

'God Just Has to Smack You Down': Dolly Parton's Darkest Moment

"Sometimes God just has to smack you down," she said. "He was almost saying, 'Sit your pretty little [...] down because we have to deal with some stuff!'" In a later interview for the podcast series "Dolly Parton's America," the musician spoke about one of the darkest periods of her life — a time when she said she even contemplated suicide.

"I got overweight and I was going through the change of life, I was having a lot of female problems, I'd been going through a whole lot of family things, just the stress, the heartache," she recalled.

"There was [sic] just several things going on at that time. I was just broken down," the singer divulged. Parton explained that the difficult period occurred in the early 1980s and that she ultimately turned to her faith for strength and guidance.

A Sister's Plea for Prayers Sparks Fan Outcry

The recent health setbacks that Dolly Parton has experienced have not gone unnoticed by those closest to her. In fact, one of her beloved sisters recently took to social media with an emotional message — opening up about Parton's condition and calling on fans to lift her up in prayer.

Parton's sister's emotional post on social media quickly drew an outpouring of love and support from fans, many of whom expressed their deep concern for the 79-year-old country star.

"No! The world can not lose Dolly!" one supporter wrote. "I will not be ok. 😭 Dolly, we need you to live forever. ❤️ Sending all the healing thoughts and hugs your way!" another echoed. "I pray you feel better. Not ready to lose another icon!" a third added.

Fans are united in their feelings, as they simply can't imagine a world without Parton. Their comments reflect deep admiration, with many expressing just how much she has meant to them over the years. As messages of support poured in, some fans began to speculate on what might be behind the beloved singer's health decline.

"She's grieving the loss of her husband 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾," one person suggested. "Her love is gone. I understand 😢❤️," another wrote. "I knew as soon as Carl passed. It's broken heart syndrome," someone else commented. Others turned to faith, referencing the star's sister's own words and her decision to lean into prayer during this difficult time.

"Thank you for letting us know she is really in need of prayer, and how to pray for her, and all of you her [sic] family!🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️," one supporter posted. "Dolly is one of a kind. Her faith and faithfulness will see her through this time. I'll be praying for her and believing she is 100% healed by the stripes of Jesus," another wrote.

"If anything happens to Dolly, they might as well shut down the entire state for a week. We need her!!! Prayers and love ❤️," stated another supporter. Even more fans filled the comment section with prayers, hoping their words would bring comfort and strength to the family.

In her emotional post, Parton's sister revealed she had stayed up all night praying for Dolly. She wrote:

"As the world knows, she has not been feeling her best. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me."

She also praised her sister's strength and spirit, expressing hope for her recovery. "With all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she's going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you! ❤️."

While Dolly has yet to respond publicly, the overwhelming wave of love from fans and family speaks volumes. For now, supporters around the world continue to send their prayers and well-wishes, holding onto hope that the country music legend will bounce back soon.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.