Dolly Parton Misses a Major Event Amid Health Struggles—Here’s What Fans Need to Know About the Star’s Condition. ML

Dolly Parton’s health challenges caused the East Tennessee legend to miss yet another event

The queen of country, 79, was inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions‘ Hall of Fame in a ceremony on Nov. 17 in Orlando, Florida, but was not able to attend.

In a video address, Parton briefly addressed the reason for her absence: Her ongoing health challenges.

“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 said in the video. “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.”

Parton graciously accepted the IAAPA recognition.Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

“The theme park world is full of some of the most creative and kindhearted people that you’ll ever meet,” Parton said. “And I’m just so grateful that you consider me worthy of this recognition.”Coming to Dollywood in 2026: Get a sneak peek at part of the new NightFlight Expedition coaster

The “I Will Always Love You” singer has been more open about her recent health challenges after her sister, Freida Parton, asked fans to pray for Dolly on Oct. 7. Freida later posted that she “didn’t mean to scare anyone” or “make it sound so serious.”

Dolly addressed rumors about her health directly in a social media video posted Oct. 8 with the caption “I ain’t dead yet!”

“Everyone thinks I’m sicker than I am,” Parton said in the video. The iconic country musician put to rest rumors about her health, explaining that she just postponed some of her own health concerns in the wake of her husband’s death.

“I’m not ready to die yet,” Parton joked.

Is Dolly Parton sick?

Another Parton sister, Stella, said in an Oct. 8 Facebook post that Dolly “has been seeking treatment for kidney stones.”

Kidney stones had caused an infection, Parton said in an earlier video recorded for Dollywood guests at the announcement of Dollywood’s newest attraction, NightFlight, on Sept. 17. Parton had planned to attend the announcement at the theme park in person before health concerns changed her plans at the last minute.

“I’ll be back just as quick as I can,” Parton said in that video. “Don’t worry about me. I’m gonna be OK.”

What kind of procedure did Dolly Parton have?

It’s unclear what exact procedure Parton might have had, though Parton joked in her Sept. 28 health update post that the required procedure is “not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon.”

Why were Dolly Parton’s Las Vegas shows postponed?

On Sept. 28, Parton cited her health trials in a social media post. The singer said she was postponing her upcoming Las Vegas residency, which was supposed to begin on Dec. 4 at The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace.

“Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” she wrote. “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.”

Now, the series of six live Vegas shows has been pushed back to September 2026, according to Ticketmaster.

Are kidney stones very common?

Yes. Kidney stones are a common ailment, according to the Cleveland Clinic. About 1 in 10 people will get a kidney stone during their lifetime.

What is the main cause of kidney stones?

Kidney stones form when there are more calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate and uric acid in your urine than fluids, according to the Mayo Clinic.

“Particles of these substances in your pee and too little liquid, they can start to stick together, forming crystals or stones,” Cleveland Clinic reports.

However, there is no single cause as to why kidney stones form, according to the Mayo Clinic.

How old is Dolly Parton?

Dolly Parton is 79 years old.

How many sisters does Dolly Parton have?

Parton is the fourth-born of her family’s 12 kids, according to Smoky Mountain DNA.

Of her large family, Parton has five sisters: Willadeene, Stella, Cassie, Freida and Rachel.