**Dolly Parton Sparks Health Concerns After Abrupt Cancellation and Sister’s Request for Prayers**
*Published Oct. 8, 2025, 4:45 p.m. ET*
Dolly Parton has sparked fresh health fears after she abruptly cancelled an appearance, citing doctors’ orders. Her sister further fueled panic by requesting “prayers” for the country music superstar, who is reportedly suffering from painful kidney stones.
The “Jolene” hitmaker is no stranger to health challenges and has a history of kidney stones. In fact, her inner circle believed her intense abdominal pains were being caused by a “far more serious condition,” RadarOnline.com can reveal.
### Dolly Parton’s Secret Hospitalization
Though Parton, 79, has enjoyed a strong music career for decades, her petite frame has faced significant health battles. She was diagnosed with endometriosis after experiencing excruciating pain and underwent a partial hysterectomy in 1985. This surgery left her unable to have children with her late husband, Carl Dean.
Decades later, in 2015, Parton was secretly hospitalized at Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center after experiencing another bout of intense stomach pain. She underwent a series of tests before doctors concluded her agony was caused by kidney stones. However, sources alleged that her inner circle was worried a more serious diagnosis could be to blame.
The “9 to 5” singer underwent various treatments to relieve her pain, including laser therapy. Still, those close to her weren’t convinced she was out of the woods. An insider shared:
“She was in such pain. It’s not the first – she’s been in a cancer battle before. We’re all terrified she has a far more serious condition than kidney stones.”
The insider further explained, “So far, the laser treatments haven’t worked, and she’s undergoing more testing. The scary thing is she has the symptoms of stomach cancer – and this is what she could be hiding.”
### Previous Diagnosis and Cancer Concerns
Two years prior to her secret hospitalization for kidney stones, Parton was diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This condition caused severe heartburn, sore throats, difficulty swallowing, and carried the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Around that time, Parton suddenly dropped 20 pounds, which heightened concerns about her health.
Sources say Parton researched her condition thoroughly and was well aware of the associated cancer risks.
### Dolly Parton’s Previous Cancer Scare
Despite her fears, Parton decided to bravely confront the diagnosis and took preventative steps against esophageal cancer. According to an insider, she underwent surgery to have a state-of-the-art device called LINX implanted into her esophagus.
“Dolly always projects an upbeat, positive image, but underneath that, she was terrified,” the source noted.
Parton kept the 2013 surgery under wraps. “She didn’t want her friends, family, and fans to worry about her, so the entire procedure was done under the tightest security,” the insider added.
### Current Health Update
Unlike previous health challenges, Parton’s current health crisis has not been kept secret. After her sister’s post asking for prayers sent death rumors swirling online, Parton broke her silence in a video address.
She insisted she is “not dying” and addressed the rumors surrounding her health, saying:
“I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease, those that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate – and I appreciate your prayers, ’cause I’m a person of faith, I can always use the prayers for anything and everything – but I want you to know that I’m OK!”
Fans and loved ones continue to offer their support and prayers to the beloved country music icon as she manages this health challenge.
https://radaronline.com/p/dolly-parton-health-fears-kidney-stones-surgery-serious-condition/