VERY SAD NEWS: During her tour in Las Vegas, Dolly Parton experienced sharp stomach pain. She said that her old illness had resurfaced after the surgery, and what happened afterward…

Dolly Parton’s Struggles and Triumphs Over Health Battles: “A Pile of Problems”

Dolly Parton, the iconic country music queen, has experienced a remarkable career that includes selling over 100 million records and achieving 25 number one hits on the Billboard country music chart. However, behind the fame and success, Parton has faced numerous health challenges that have put both her body and mind under immense strain.

The 78-year-old singer, who first made her mark in 1967 with The Porter Wagoner Show and her debut solo album Hello, I’m Dolly, has captivated audiences for decades with chart-toppers like 9 to 5, Jolene, and I Will Always Love You. But despite her unparalleled career, Parton’s personal health journey has been less than smooth.

In 2017, Parton opened up about her health battles in her biography, Dolly on Dolly: Interviews and Encounters with Dolly Parton, revealing that she first began facing health issues at the age of 35. “I was getting away with murder. I wasn’t watching what I ate, I wasn’t conscious of nutrition, wasn’t taking care of myself,” she shared. “I was working hard, and underneath I was a pile of personal and emotional problems. All at once I fell apart.”

The toll of her busy career, combined with mounting personal struggles, led to various physical issues, including stomach and female health problems. Parton struggled through these hardships quietly, but the consequences of her neglect on her health became undeniable.

Things worsened in the 1980s when Dolly was at the height of her success. After her 9 to 5 hit and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, she suffered from severe stomach issues. In 1984, she performed on stage despite the pain, collapsing mid-performance in Indianapolis, which led to serious internal bleeding. After undergoing a diagnosis of endometriosis, she had to take drastic steps to preserve her health.

Endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside of it, had severe consequences for Parton, leading her to undergo a partial hysterectomy at 36. This procedure, which removed her uterus but left her cervix intact, meant that Parton could no longer have children naturally, something that was deeply painful for her. Her struggles led her into a period of depression, during which she turned to food, alcohol, and other unhealthy habits as coping mechanisms.

Parton was candid about the depths of her despair, revealing in her book, “Every day I thought, ‘I wish I had the nerve to kill myself.’” The pain of losing the ability to have children, combined with her emotional struggles, drove her to binge eat and drink excessively. “I would eat three pizzas but still crave McDonald’s and French fries,” she admitted. The cycle of dieting and overeating became a dangerous pattern that worsened her physical and mental well-being. “Eventually, my system wouldn’t work anymore. My body couldn’t hold up under that strain. Overeating is as much a sickness as drugs or alcohol,” she acknowledged.

However, Dolly Parton’s journey didn’t end in this dark place. She worked to overcome her struggles, focusing on healthier habits. Parton shifted to a balanced diet and exercise regimen that allowed her to regain control over her health. Today, she continues to perform for millions of fans around the world, maintaining a lifestyle that helps her remain both physically and mentally strong.

Parton’s health battles have been long and challenging, but they have not defined her. Instead, her ability to persevere and thrive in the face of adversity has further solidified her place as a beloved and inspirational figure. Her story is a reminder that even the most successful individuals can face immense struggles, but with determination and strength, they can rise above them.