Dolly Parton Shuts Down Cancer Rumors, Confirms Kidney Stone Surgery

Country music icon Dolly Parton has reassured fans of her health after reports surfaced claiming she had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. The 69-year-old singer dismissed the speculation, confirming instead that she had undergone a procedure to remove kidney stones.

Dolly Parton Says 'There Is Absolutely No Truth' to Stomach Cancer Rumors

Rumors first emerged after The National Enquirer reported that Parton had been “rushed to hospital” with a serious illness. Concern grew further when Don Henley of the Eagles revealed that she had overcome a “medical issue” prior to shooting the music video for their duet When I Stop Dreaming.

However, in a statement posted on her official website, the beloved performer set the record straight. “It is true that I had kidney stones. I had them removed three weeks ago and I am doing just fine!” Parton wrote. “There is absolutely no truth at all that I have stomach cancer. I love and appreciate everyone’s concern.”

The Jolene and 9 to 5 hitmaker emphasized that she was already back to work following her recovery, adding that she had recently returned to Dollywood to film scenes for her NBC television movie Coat of Many Colors.

Parton’s clarification comes as a relief to her millions of fans around the world, many of whom had expressed worry after conflicting reports about her health began to circulate. Known for her tireless work ethic, the singer-songwriter has long balanced her music career with business ventures, philanthropy, and acting roles.

Dolly Parton dismisses stomach cancer reports telling fans she had kidney stones | London Evening Standard | The Standard

Her 2015 project Coat of Many Colors — based on her childhood and inspired by her beloved song of the same name — was particularly personal. In recent years, she has also continued expanding her Imagination Library, the book-gifting program she founded in honor of her father, which has now distributed over 200 million free books to children globally.

While health rumors have periodically surrounded the superstar throughout her career, Parton has consistently faced them with openness and good humor. Her latest statement continues that tradition, offering fans direct reassurance while underscoring her determination to keep working.

As she put it herself: “I am back to work … and I am doing just fine.”