Dolly Parton Has Been Plagued By Health Issue Rumors And Death Hoaxes, Here’s Whether She’s Really Sick

Dolly Parton’s successful career was pestered with baseless health rumors and false death reports.

Highlights

Dolly Parton faced unfounded health scare rumors and death hoaxes.
Parton addressed outrageous rumors about her body image.
Parton struggled with her mental health after being diagnosed with a disease.

Dolly Parton has been a prominent figure in the music and entertainment industry for nearly six decades. She is thriving and leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. Throughout her illustrious career, marked by chart-topping hits and a colorful foray into film, Parton also faced personal challenges that led her to make decisions she later regretted.

As is common with many public figures, concerns have arisen about her health as she has aged. After all, Parton has previously battled health issues. Unfortunately, the beloved country music icon has been the target of unfounded health scare rumors and even death hoaxes.

Did Dolly Parton Have A Terminal Illness?

In 2013, The National Enquirer revealed that Dolly Parton had undergone an esophageal cancer screening procedure. Allegedly, she had a secret esophagectomy in June 2013 to implant a medical device in her esophagus, as she had been battling gastroesophageal reflux disease for years, which can lead to esophageal cancer.

A source reportedly claimed that her significant weight loss during that time was attributed to her illness, surgery, and medication. “Her weight was dropping dramatically, she was chugging antacid medication, and she couldn’t eat anything but soft, bland foods.” Parton’s team declined to comment on the rumors.

In 2015, Parton faced more health concerns when rumors of her having stomach cancer started to circulate. The National Enquirer reported again that she had been rushed to the hospital. These rumors surfaced when she underwent surgery to remove kidney stones which went smoothly.

Parton spoke to Billboard to clarify the rumors, “It’s true that I had kidney stones. I had them removed three weeks ago, and I am doing just fine! There is absolutely no truth at all that I have stomach cancer. I love and appreciate everyone’s concern,” she added.

Dolly Parton Became A Target Of An Internet Death Hoax

In 2022, social media buzzed with news of Dolly Parton suffering from a serious ailment and even claimed that she was on life support. These rumors were debunked by Snopes, a fact-checking site after its origin was revealed in an unreliable YouTube video.

At the time of the rumor, the country legend had been actively making public appearances and doing shows that’s why people were stunned to learn about the fake news.

In 2023, another online death hoax targeted Parton. A Facebook post in October 2023 falsely claimed her death, causing hundreds of fans to express condolences and sorrow. Fortunately, Parton’s representatives swiftly dispelled the rumors with a statement posted on her Instagram story, “She joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. She’s still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet.”

Dolly Parton Debunked Rumors That Affected Her Body Image

Dolly Parton addressed the outrageous rumors that claimed her breasts were so massive that they had damaged her back. During an interview with ET Canada, the country music icon was asked to clarify some wild rumors about her personal life.

Parton began by referring to a National Enquirer report that suggested her breasts had left her crippled. “Oh, heavens, I’ve heard everything… And I thought, well, they are big, and they are heavy, but I can still get around… I’m doing all right,” she stated.

Another persistent rumor concerns Parton’s choice to not wear sleeveless outfits in public which led to speculations about her alleged concealed full-sleeve tattoos and a scalp tattoo beneath her wigs. She acknowledged the existence of her few tattoos and shared the reason behind her body art with Vanity Fair.

“… most of the tattoos when I first started, I was covering up some scars that I had, ’cause I have a tendency to have keloid scar tissue, and I have a tendency where if I have any kind of scars anywhere then they kind of have a purple tinge that I can never get rid of. So mine are all pastels, what few that I have, and they’re meant to cover some scars. I’m not trying to make some big, bold statement.” Parton shared.

Dolly Parton Struggled With Her Mental Health After Her Heartbreaking Health Diagnosis

In 1981, Dolly Parton received a diagnosis of endometriosis, a condition characterized by the growth of tissues outside the uterus, causing inflammation in the pelvis and other parts of the body.

In the months leading up to her diagnosis, she endured severe abdominal pain and bleeding, which ultimately resulted in her collapsing on stage during her show in Indianapolis. Parton underwent two surgeries to prevent internal hemorrhaging, and at 36 years old, she had a partial hysterectomy to manage her illness.

“I went to the very bottom as far as my emotions and my health are concerned. 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. I was working hard, and underneath I was a pile of personal and emotional problems. All at once I fell apart. It was stomach problems and female problems – all over health problems, actually.” Parton recalled in her two-hour documentary titled, Dolly Parton: The Queen of Country. The surgery meant that she could no longer conceive children naturally and admitted that she went through a dark phase until she managed to pull herself out of it.

In addition to her diagnosis and medical warnings, Parton’s health struggles persisted. Despite being on medication for her stomach and reproductive issues, she still engaged in extreme diets, and referred to herself as “Dietin’ Dolly.”

“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. 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 explained.

This combination of steroids, antibiotics, and unhealthy lifestyle choices led to rapid and unhealthy weight gain. Parton, with her previous petite physique, gained 50 pounds. She admitted that she could eat three pizzas and still crave fries, popcorn, and McDonald’s before going on a strict diet again. Fortunately, her doctors convinced her to switch to a balanced diet, which helped her lose 20 pounds and regain her health.