VERY SAD NEWS: One hour ago, in Tennessee, Dolly Parton shared her plans that after her final collaboration with Willie Nelson, she may retire due to health issues. She didn’t say more, but…

Dolly Parton, widely recognized as the Queen of Country music, has had an extraordinary career that has spanned over six decades. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, 25 songs reaching number one on the Billboard country music chart, and iconic hits like 9 to 5, Jolene, and I Will Always Love You, Dolly’s impact on music is undeniable. Despite not having children of her own, she has served as a loving godmother to fellow country artist Miley Cyrus, continuously captivating audiences with her talent and charisma.

However, while Dolly’s career has been nothing short of remarkable, her personal life has not been without its challenges. Offstage, Dolly has faced significant health issues that have affected her both physically and emotionally, at times sending her to some very dark places. In her 2017 biography, Dolly on Dolly: Interviews and Encounters with Dolly Parton, she opened up about the health struggles she began facing at the age of 35. Reflecting on this period, Dolly admitted, “I was getting away with murder. I wasn’t watching what I ate, I wasn’t conscious of nutrition, I wasn’t taking care of myself.” Her hectic work schedule, combined with personal and emotional struggles, led to a breakdown of her health.

Dolly’s health issues escalated after she found international fame in the 1980s, following the success of her hit song 9 to 5 and her debut in the film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. In 1984, she collapsed mid-performance in Indianapolis due to severe abdominal pain, leading to a diagnosis of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, often causing pain and other complications. Dolly underwent two surgeries to prevent internal bleeding and had a partial hysterectomy, which meant she could no longer have children naturally. This loss deeply affected Dolly, and she fell into a period of severe depression, turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as binge eating and excessive drinking.

In her book, Dolly confessed, “It was an awful time for me. Every day I thought, ‘I wish I had the nerve to kill myself.’” At the time, she gained 50 pounds due to her eating habits, often consuming three pizzas in one sitting and still craving unhealthy foods like McDonald’s and French fries. She explained the vicious cycle of dieting and binging that followed: “On top of being medicated, Dietin’ Dolly would go on liquid protein, Scarsdale, Atkins, the water diet, then I’d binge, diet, gain, start all over again.”

The toll on her body became evident, and Dolly admitted that her system could no longer handle the strain. “Overeating is as much a sickness as drugs or alcohol,” she said, reflecting on how she had to confront her own unhealthy patterns. Despite these challenges, Dolly eventually found a path toward healing. She committed to maintaining a healthier lifestyle by adopting a balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise into her routine, which has allowed her to continue performing and sharing her music with fans worldwide.

Dolly’s story of overcoming personal and physical challenges is a testament to her resilience and determination. Through her struggles, she has maintained a positive outlook, focused on taking care of herself, and continued to bring joy to millions through her music. Dolly’s journey, both personal and professional, serves as an inspiration for many, proving that even in the face of adversity, it’s possible to find strength and emerge stronger.