Dolly Parton remains in high spirits as she navigates ongoing health issues that led to the cancellation of several concerts last year for medical treatment. The 80-year-old country music icon, who has previously spoken candidly about her chronic kidney stones, shared an update with fans in a video posted on social media on Monday.
Positive Progress Despite Challenges
"The good news is that I'm responding really well to meds and treatments, and I'm improving every day," Parton revealed. "Now, the bad news is, it's gonna take me a little while before I'm up to stage-performance level, because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy-headed."
In her signature humorous tone, she joked: "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 then glanced down at her chest, correcting herself: "Lord, those — that would make anybody swimmy-headed."
Comparing Recovery to a Classic Car
Likening herself to an "old classic car that once restored can be better than ever," Parton explained: "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." She added, "And for sure, my spark plugs need to be changed. 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."
Addressing Kidney Stones and Other Issues
Acknowledging her well-known struggles with kidney stones, Parton said: "Lord, they dig more stones out of me a year than they do the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee." She continued: "But seriously, my immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack for the past couple of years. And they're working really hard on rebuilding and strengthening those."
"Hopefully, I'll be up to snuff again soon," she said, before adding with a laugh: "Maybe I shouldn't have said 'snuff.' Snuff wouldn't be very good for either of those, would it? Plus, I wouldn't want my lower lip to fall off on top of everything else!"
Gratitude to Fans
In the post's caption, Parton thanked fans for "standing by me and showing me so much love and support over the past year," writing: "I've still got some healing to do, but I am on my way! See you soon."
Parton first sparked concern late last year when she canceled a series of public appearances and postponed her Las Vegas residency by a year to undergo medical treatment. She made her first major public appearance in March at her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, telling the crowd: "I've not been touring, as you know. I've had a few little health issues, and we're taking good care of them."
