Painful Diagnosis Forces Dolly Parton To Cancel Appearance
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
Dolly Parton, 79, faced the heartbreaking loss of her husband earlier this year. Now she’s facing a painful health diagnosis of her own. She was supposed to attend a special announcement at Dollywood about a new ride coming to the theme park next year. The beloved singer wasn’t able to attend at the last minute, and explained that a painful health condition was behind her absence. What’s going on?
Dolly Parton Struggling With Husband’s Death
Dolly Parton met her future husband when she was still a teenager. At the time, she was just starting out in a career that would span more than six decades. It was love at first sight when she met Carl Dean at a laundromat in Nashville.
The two didn’t waste time and tied the knot in 1966. During their 50-plus years of marriage, Carl Dean kept out of the public eye. He privately supported his superstar wife in the shadows. At one point, fans started to think he didn’t really exist.
But he did, and Dolly Parton loved him deeply. Carl Dean passed away in March. The singer is still struggling with the loss six months later. She took a break from writing new music after her husband’s death. She said it was too difficult at the time.
Dolly Parton recently hinted on social media that she’s resumed songwriting. “I can write a song anytime, anyplace, anywhere. That’s why I always keep a guitar and a piece of paper handy at all times,” she wrote.
Painful Health Diagnosis Forces Singer To Cancel Appearance
Dolly Parton opened a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 1986. Dollywood attracts millions of visitors every year, all hoping to get a glimpse of the famous singer. She was scheduled to appear at the theme park earlier this week to reveal the Night Flight Expedition attraction coming to the park next year.
Unfortunately, the announcement had to go on without Dolly Parton. A video address from Dolly about her absence was shared on Twitter.
“Hello Dollywood! It’s me! I know, I’m here and you’re there and wondering why that is,” she began. She added, “I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone.”
She skipped the Dollywood event on her doctor’s advice but she said she was “there in spirit.”
Dolly Parton’s message at @Dollywood today. She couldn’t be here for their announcement because she is dealing with a kidney stone, but says she will be fine! pic.twitter.com/4XtB38sR9S
— Marcus Leshock (@marcusleshock) September 17, 2025
Dolly Parton embarks on her first tour in years with a Las Vegas Residency this winter. Her last real tour was in 2016. She stopped going on the road amid her husband’s declining health.
The singer’s recent appearance cancellation sparked some concern about the Las Vegas residency. However, the highly anticipated shows are still on. Her health issue will likely be resolved by then. But stay tuned to Country Music Alley for updates on any changes in her tour plans.
