Dolly Parton continues to maintain a positive outlook despite facing ongoing health challenges that have led to the cancellation of several concerts last year. The country music icon, now 80 years old, has been open about her struggles with chronic kidney stones and recently shared an update with her fans through a video posted on social media.
In the video, Parton expressed optimism about her recovery: “The good news is that I’m responding really well to meds and treatments, and I’m improving every day.” However, she also mentioned that it will take some time before she can return to performing at full capacity. “Some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy-headed,” she explained.
Maintaining her signature light-hearted tone, Parton joked about the difficulties of performing while feeling unsteady: “And of course, I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on five-inch heels — and you know that I’m going to be wearing them! Not to mention all those heavy rhinestone outfits, the big hair and my — uh — big personality.”
She continued with humor, glancing down at her chest and saying, “Lord, those,” before correcting herself: “that would make anybody swimmy-headed.”
Parton likened her body to an “old classic car that once restored can be better than ever.” She described her medical issues as needing a complete overhaul: “When they raised the hood on this old antique, they realized that I need to rebuild my engine and that my transmission is slipping, my oil pan is leaking and my muffler’s busted and my shocks and pistons need to be replaced.”
“And for sure, my spark plugs need to be changed,” she added, “You know as well as I know that I can’t lose my spark.”
Chuckling, the “Jolene” singer quipped: “I know I’m still crazy, but they didn’t mention nothing about my mental health.”
Parton acknowledged that she has previously spoken about her struggles with kidney stones, joking: “Lord, they dig more stones out of me a year than they do the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee.” She then turned serious, explaining that her immune system and digestive system have been out of balance for the past few years. “They’re working really hard on rebuilding and strengthening those,” she said.
“Hopefully, I’ll be up to snuff again soon,” she added, followed by a laugh: “Maybe I shouldn’t have said ‘snuff.’ Snuff wouldn’t be very good for either of those, would it?”
She continued with a playful remark: “Plus, I wouldn’t want my lower lip to fall off on top of everything else!”
In the caption of the post, Parton thanked her fans for their support: “I’ve still got some healing to do, but I am on my way! See you soon.”
Parton first caused concern among fans late last year when she canceled several public appearances and postponed her Las Vegas residency by a year to focus on her health. She made her first major public appearance in March at her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood.
“I’ve not been touring, as you know,” Parton told the crowd. “I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of them.”
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