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Dolly Parton was open about her health issues before she died at the age of 80 in August 2026.
In September 2025, Parton surprised fans when she missed a scheduled visit to her Dollywood theme park to celebrate the new Night Flight Expedition Ride. Instead, the country singer appeared in a prerecorded video message played for the crowd.
“Hello Dollywood! It’s me,” Parton said in the clip, which was shared by attendees via X. “I know — and I’m here, and you’re there. And you’re wondering why that is? Well, I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone that was causing me a lot of problems. Turned out it’d given me an infection.”
After assuring fans she needed time to rest, Parton also postponed her Las Vegas concerts scheduled for December 2025 due to a “few procedures.”
“Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” she told fans in an Instagram post in September 2025. “But, I believe he is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with you all.”
When kicking off a new season at Dollywood in March 2026, however, Parton appeared to be in good spirits as she stopped by the theme park to speak with attendees.
Nearly one year after her health problems were first revealed, Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver confirmed her death in a video on August 25, 2026.
Keep scrolling to see everything Parton has said about her health so far:
Skipping Dollywood Event Due to Kidney Stone Infection
Instead of attending a Dollywood appearance to celebrate the new Night Flight Expedition ride in September 2025, the singer appeared in a video to the crowd revealing she had “a kidney stone” causing her a “lot of problems.”
“Turned out it’d given me an infection,” Dolly Parton explained at the time in the clip, shared by attendees via X. “And the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better.’ So he suggested I not go to Dollywood today, but I am there with you in spirit and I was looking forward to it.”
Parton apologized to fans that she couldn’t “be there in person” and said she would “be back as quick” as she could.
“Don’t worry about me, I’m gonna be OK. Just can’t do it today,” she said.
Postpones Vegas Shows Because of ‘Health Challenges’
After missing her Dollywood appearance, later that month Dolly Parton pushed back her Las Vegas concerts, scheduled for December 2025, by nearly a year because of her health.
“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts,” she said in a written statement shared via Instagram that September. “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. As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!”
The legendary singer went on to say that “in all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see.”
“You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you,” she said, adding that she will be “able to work on all of my projects here in Nashville” for the time being. “I just need a little time to get show ready, as they say. And don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. But I believe he is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with you all.”
Parton concluded her message by thanking her fans for “understanding.” The shows were rescheduled for September 2026.
Opening Up About Worries Over Her Health
After concern for Dolly Parton’s health rose following her Vegas show cancellations, the singer reassured fans that she isn’t dealing with “anything major.”
“I wanna say something,” Parton said in a video posted on social media in October 2025. “Well, today’s October the 8th and, obviously, I’m here doing some commercials for the Grand Ole Opry, which is why I’m dressed kinda like a country western girl.”
Parton went on to say she knows that “everybody thinks” she’s “sicker” than she really is.
“Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here,” she explained. “Anyway, I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease, those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate. And I appreciate your prayers ‘cause I’m a person of faith. I can always use the prayers for anything and everything. But I want you to know that I’m OK.”
The singer explained that she’s “got some [health] problems,” which she has “mentioned” previously.
“Back when my husband, Carl [Dean], was very sick, that was for a long time, and then when he passed I didn’t take care of myself, so I let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of,” she said. “So, anyway, when I got around to it, the doctor said we need to take care of this, we need to take care of that. Nothing major, but I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home and closer to Vanderbilt [University Medical Center] where I’m kind of having a few treatments here and there. But I wanted you to know that I’m not dying.”
Parton went on to address a fake photo of her and Reba McEntire that contributed to the rumors about her health.
“Did you see that AI picture of Reba and me? Ooh, Lordy. I mean, they had Reba at my deathbed. And we both looked like we needed to be buried,” she joked. “But I thought, ‘Oh, my Lord, if I was really dying, I don’t think Reba would be the one at my deathbed.’ She might come visit me earlier, but anyway, there are just a lot of rumors flying around, but I figured if you heard it from me you’d know that I was OK. So anyhow, that’s what I wanted to say, and I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me and I ain’t done working. So I love you for caring, and keep praying for me.”
Needing Time to Rest After Health Issues
In November 2025, Dolly Parton missed her induction into the IAAPA’s Hall of Fame for Dollywood — and instead spoke in a video message to fans.
“I sure wish I could be with you in person today, but you probably heard that I’ve been dealing with a few health challenges this fall, and my doctors told me to take it easy for just a little while,” she explained in an Instagram video. “And I’m truly sorry I can’t be there, but I sure wanted to take the chance to say thank you for this incredible honor.”
Dolly Parton Shares Update in Rare Public Appearance
In March 2026, Dolly Parton made a rare public appearance at Dollywood in Tennessee to give an update on how she was feeling.
“I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of them,” Parton told attendees via Entertainment Weekly. “I just kind of got worn down and worn out. I just got myself kind of where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally and physically. But, all is good. It didn’t slow me down.”
During her appearance, Parton announced new attractions for the theme park and teased additional projects in the works.
“There are more things coming,” Parton teased. “I’m not done.”
Dolly Parton Skipped Opening on New Dollywood Ride Due to Her Health
On August 21, 2026, Parton explained she had to skip the opening of a new ride at Dollywood because her doctor ordered her not to travel.
“I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I’ve had a few little health issues, and sometimes I get a little dizzy and I get dehydrated,” she said in a video uploaded days before her death, according to News Nation.
Dolly Parton’s Death Confirmed at Age 80 in August 2026
True Public Relations confirmed that Parton died at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026.
“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience,” the press release stated. “With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
The press release included a video from Seaver, who confirmed her death in a video shared via her Instagram account.
“It is an honor. An honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,” he said of his aunt’s request that he share the news. “But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”
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