America’s Sweetheart, Dolly Parton, has given us all a scare with her recent health battles. The queen of country music has had ongoing kidney issues that caused a setback earlier this year. She hoped to be back on stage, but right now, her doctors need her to take more time to get well. She explained the news in a video posted to social media on May 4, 2026. Dolly said the treatments and medication make her what her grandmother called “swimmy-headed,” which isn’t a great thing for performing.
“And of course, I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars, and such on five-inch heels,” Dolly said. “And you know that I’m gonna be wearing them.”
Dolly Parton Wants Her Health to Be Back to Normal Before She Hits the Stage
She spoke about herself like a classic car. Even though it looks great on the outside, when you pop the hood, you run into trouble. After discussing her health, Dolly Parton also mentioned the one-year anniversary of the death of her husband, Carl Dean. The last year has been tough physically and emotionally.
“I will always love him, and I’ll always miss him, but you would be surprised at how much your love and concern meant to me during that time,” Dolly said. “You have been a big part of my healing.”
Fans sent Dolly Parton well wishes for her health journey and kind words about her husband.
“A perfect dose of southern charm and positivity!!! Swimmy headed should be the new mantra for gals in perimenopause,” a fan wrote. “I’m going to use it! Get well Miss Dolly!!!!!! You are sparkling sequin of light.”
“I dont care what anyone says, Dolly Parton is a national treasure and I love her so much. I laughed, I cried, I got mad at how dare someone interrupt her with a commercial, ironically for breaks. She is just the most beautiful lady inside and out,” another person added.
This story’s featured image is by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for American Greetings
