New details are emerging about the health struggles Dolly Parton faced in the months before her death at 80. The country music legend had been dealing with kidney and autoimmune issues and entered the hospital just four days before she died on August 25.
According to People, the latest health details Dolly Parton dealt with add context to the concerns she had openly discussed over the past year. Even as doctors limited her travel and she missed several appearances, Parton continued working on business, entertainment, and philanthropic projects, repeatedly assuring fans that she still had plenty she wanted to accomplish.
Dolly Parton Faced Health Struggles That Included Kidney and Autoimmune Issues
Parton had previously revealed one of her kidney problems in September 2025. She explained that a kidney stone caused an infection and prompted her doctor to tell her not to travel. The issue forced her to miss an announcement for Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition attraction.
Her health continued affecting her schedule in 2026. Parton missed the attraction’s August 14 grand opening after experiencing dizziness and dehydration. In a video message, she joked that her doctor had “clipped my wings” for the week and told fans she needed to stay home rather than travel. Days later, on August 21, she entered the hospital. PEOPLE has since confirmed that she had also been dealing with autoimmune issues.
She Remained Determined to Work Through Her Final Days
Parton had connected some of her declining health to the period when she cared for her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, before his death in March 2025. She admitted that she had neglected some of her own medical needs while focusing on him. Still, she approached her recovery with the same humor and determination that fans had seen throughout her career. On the day she entered the hospital, Parton told PEOPLE she still had numerous dreams she wanted to bring to life. Her projects included new business ventures and philanthropic work, and she made clear that she intended to continue working for as long as she could.
The kidney and autoimmune conditions were part of Parton’s broader health struggles, but they were not her official cause of death. Her representatives said she died after a brief battle with cancer. Looking back at the final Dolly Parton health updates, her determination stands out. Despite serious illness, canceled appearances, and personal loss, she remained focused on the projects and dreams still ahead.