Dolly Parton Recovering After Kidney Infection Scare

Dolly Parton Addresses Health Challenges After Missing IAAPA Hall of Fame Ceremony for Dollywood

The legendary country music icon Dolly Parton recently sparked concern among fans after postponing her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency, citing “health challenges.” It was later revealed that she had been dealing with kidney stones, which developed into a kidney infection, requiring her to rest and undergo medical treatment.

Since then, updates have been reassuring: the 79-year-old superstar is “recovering day by day,” taking time at home surrounded by loved ones as she focuses on healing.

In a candid social media video, Parton addressed the rumors directly, quipping with her signature humor, “I ain’t dead yet.” She added, “Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here,” while seated during a commercial shoot. Reflecting on her past, she openly admitted, “Back when my husband was sick, and after he passed, I didn’t take care of myself — I let a lot of things go that I should’ve been taking care of.”

Her message was clear: this isn’t a life-threatening situation but rather a “100,000-mile check-up.” She asked fans not to worry, emphasizing that she’s “just slowing down” for now, not stepping away from her work entirely.

Family and friends have echoed this sense of optimism. Her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, recently told reporters that Parton is “eager to return” to her beloved work, adding, “The show must go on.”

More Kidney Stone Stories

Medically speaking, kidney stones — also known as renal calculi — form when minerals and salts in the urine crystallize due to high concentrations. Common contributing factors include dehydration, high-salt or high-protein diets, and insufficient fluid intake. Small stones may pass naturally with plenty of water, rest, and over-the-counter pain relief. However, stones that block the urinary tract, irritate tissue, or harbor bacteria can lead to infection. Symptoms may include flank pain, blood in the urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, fever, chills, or nausea.

Treatment varies depending on the stone’s size, location, and whether an infection is present. Many small stones can be managed with hydration, pain control, and careful monitoring. But when stones cause infection, blockages, or severe discomfort, medical intervention is essential. This can include antibiotics to treat infection or procedures like lithotripsy (to break up stones), ureteroscopy, or other minimally invasive surgeries.

Publicly, Parton’s sister, Freida, was the first family member to comment, asking fans to keep her in their thoughts before clarifying that Dolly was only “a little under the weather.”

Parton herself has remained private regarding her personal life and finances, making it clear that her top priority right now is recovery and taking care of her health.