Everything Dolly Parton Said About Her Health Before Death

Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty Images Country music legend Dolly Parton died on August 25.

Here’s a look back on everything the late “Jolene” singer said about her health in the year leading up to her death at 80.

Parton first sparked health concerns in September 2025, when she missed a scheduled appearance at Dollywood.

She opened the family-friendly entertainment park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 1986.

In a video message , she told her fans she had “a little problem” that caused her to miss the trip.

“I have a kidney stone which caused me a lot of problems.

Turns out there was an infection,” Parton said.

The issue was not new to Parton.

She revealed in 2015 that she had multiple kidney stones removed.

In September 2025, Parton postponed six shows in Las Vegas from December 2025 to September 2026 due to health issues.

“As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures,” she wrote in a statement on Instagram .

She wrote that she wasn’t done singing and performing, adding, “God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.” In October, Parton’s sister, Freida, sparked concern among fans when she asked them to pray for Parton’s health.

Freida wrote that she had “been up all night praying” for Parton, who “hasn’t been feeling her best lately.” After Freida’s post, many speculated about the state of Parton’s health.

In response, Parton made an Instagram video titled, “I ain’t dead yet.” In the video, Parton said, “I wanted to say I know lately everybody thinks I am sicker than I am—do I look sick to you?” She admitted she “did not take care” of herself after her husband of nearly 59 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 at age 82.