Though famously private about parts of her personal life, opened up about serious health struggles over the years, including endometriosis and a period of depression so dark she contemplated taking her own life.
Dolly Parton isn’t hanging up her heels just yet.
The 79-year-old country music legend took to Instagram this week to reassure fans she’s still going strong after her sister’s public request for prayers sparked concern.
“I know lately, everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am,” Parton said in a video posted on X Wednesday, “Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here!”
The update comes just days after the “9 to 5” singer postponed her first Las Vegas residency in more than 30 years.
“As many of you know, I’ve been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures,” Parton explained. “As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!”
Though famously private about parts of her personal life, Parton has been open about several health challenges she’s faced in the past. Here’s a look at the medical issues she’s endured as fans root for her recovery.Facing endometriosis
In 1982, Parton was forced to cancel a tour due to severe abdominal pain and bleeding. Later, she was diagnosed with endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects 1 in 10 women worldwide.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing intense pelvic pain — especially during menstrual periods — and can lead to fertility issues.
To manage her symptoms, Parton underwent a partial hysterectomy in 1985 at the age of 36, during which her entire uterus and part of her cervix were removed, according to an interview with Closer Weekly. The procedure left her unable to carry children.Overcoming mental health struggles
Parton has been candid about the emotional spiral she fell into following her endometriosis diagnosis, surgery and the painful realization that she wouldn’t be able to have biological children.
“Suddenly I was a middle-aged woman. I went through a dark time, until I made myself snap out of it,” she revealed in the 2017 book “Dolly on Dolly: Interviews and Encounters with Dolly Parton.
