Dolly Parton's Health Struggles Before Her Death: Everything She Said

Dolly Parton faced several health challenges in the months before her death on August 25 at the age of 80.

The Grammy-winning singer's publicist, Marcel Pariseau, announced Parton died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center "after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer." Parton's nephew Bryan Seaver also confirmed the news in an Instagram post, saying his aunt had asked him 'years ago' to make the video announcement.

Before her death, Parton openly discussed the health struggles that forced her to skip several appearances and cancel multiple shows. Scroll down to learn more about everything she said about her health.

In a pre-recorded video message played at a Dollywood event in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., in September 2025, Parton told her fans a kidney stone forced her to skip the appearance on doctors' orders.

"Turns out there was an infection," she revealed. "And the doctor said, 'You don't need to be traveling around this minute… You need a few days to feel better.' So he suggested I not go to Dollywood today."

Parton added that her condition was not serious and said she would be back as soon as she could.

"Don't worry about me, I'm going to be okay. Just can't do it today," the "9 to 5" songstress continued.

The "Jolene" songstress also postponed her Las Vegas concerts amid "some health challenges" a few weeks after missing the Dollywood event.

"My doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures," she wrote on Instagram in September 2025. "As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000 check-up, although it's not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!"

Parton concluded the update, "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 all of you. I love you and thank you for understanding."

In an October 7, 2025, Facebook post, Dolly's sister Freida Parton asked fans to pray for the singer, saying she "hasn't been feeling her best lately."

After the update stirred public concern, Freida clarified she "simply asked for prayers" because she believed "so strongly in the power of prayer." Their other sister, Stella, later added the songwriter was seeking treatment only for kidney stones.

Then, on October 8, 2025, Dolly took to Instagram to tell fans she was not dead yet.

"Do I look sick to you? I'm working hard here," she added while on set to shoot commercials for the Grand Ole Opry. "Anyway, I wanted to put everybody's mind at ease, those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate. 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 okay."

In the same Instagram video, Dolly said she had begun undergoing necessary medical procedures at Vanderbilt University Medical Center after neglecting her health following the death of her husband, Carl Dean.

"There were a lot of rumors flying around, but I figured if you heard it from me, you'd know that I was okay," she said. "So anyhow, that's what I wanted to say, and I was not ready to die yet. I didn't think God was through with me, and I wasn't done working. So I loved you for caring, and I asked you to keep praying for me."

Dolly recorded another video message when she missed her induction into the IAAPA's Hall of Fame for Dollywood in November 2025.

"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 revealed 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 made a rare public appearance at Dollywood in Tennessee in March. During her outing, she told her fans she had had "a few little health issues" but assured the crowd they were "taking good care of them."

"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," she explained.

In a social media video announcing that the rescheduled Las Vegas residency would be canceled, Dolly revealed her immune and digestive systems "got all out of whack over the past couple of years."

She added in the caption, "Thank ​you for standing by me and showing me so much love and support ‌over ⁠the past year. I've still got some healing to do, but I am on my way! See you soon."

Dolly skipped the August 14 grand opening of Dollywood's new NightFlight Expedition ride after her doctor advised her not to travel amid her health issues.

"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 revealed in a video update.

In a health update she shared on August 21, Dolly acknowledged her condition had declined following her husband's death.

"As I've shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl," she revealed. "You know, this isn't the first time I've had to manage something like this. Back in the early '80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it's not like I haven't been through hard times with my health."

She also remained optimistic about her recovery, declaring that "even though I'm still healin', I'm still workin'!" She added she still had "so many things" she wanted to achieve and planned to keep working "as long as [she] can."