Dolly Parton, 80, shares upsetting update on her health as she takes medication
Dolly Parton has recently taken to social media to share a detailed update on her life and health. The beloved musical icon, now 80 years old, candidly discussed the highs and lows she has experienced over the past year in a new video message.
She began by addressing her health, offering some good news along with a bit of bad news. Dolly revealed that she is currently undergoing medications and treatments, which have been showing positive results. However, in her typical humorous fashion, she likened her physical issues to those experienced by a car, joking that her “transmission is slipping, my oil pan is leaking, and my muffler’s busted.”
Despite her positive response to treatment, Dolly shared that she has been feeling “swimmy-headed,” a phrase borrowed from her grandmother to describe dizziness and fatigue. Her hectic schedule, including hauling around instruments, performing in five-inch heels, and donning elaborate outfits, has taken a toll on her. Additionally, she mentioned struggling with kidney stones and issues with her immune and digestive systems over the past few years.
Dolly also expressed regret that she had to cancel her Las Vegas shows due to her health concerns but thanked her fans for their overwhelming love and support, particularly after the passing of her husband Carl Dean in March of 2025. She fondly reminisced about her interactions with Carl, including a humorous exchange where he reminded her that she was “not getting any younger,” to which she cleverly responded about the availability of plastic surgeons to defy aging.
Reassuring her fans, Dolly emphasized that she is pushing through her health issues and continuing to work diligently on various projects, including music recordings, videos, and the upcoming Broadway musical. She concluded her message by expressing gratitude to her fans for standing by her and showering her with unwavering support during these challenging times.
In a caption accompanying the video post, Dolly thanked her fans for their love and support over the past year, highlighting that she is on a healing journey and looking forward to reuniting with her supporters soon. The update provided by Dolly Parton offers a candid and heartfelt glimpse into the life of a beloved music legend, showcasing her resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of health challenges and personal loss.