Dolly Parton, 80, Faced Kidney Stones for Years: See the Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore
Her openness about her health struggles before her death shined a light on the painful condition
Key Takeaways
- Dolly Parton’s kidney stone complications highlight symptoms women shouldn’t ignore.
- Kidney stone risk can change after menopause as estrogen and calcium metabolism shift.
- Staying hydrated and making smart diet and lifestyle changes may lower your risk.
Before country legend Dolly Parton passed away at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, she faced another health issue so many women suffer through but rarely speak about: kidney stones. By talking openly about her health struggles over the years, she shined a light on a serious topic that needs more attention. Here, we’re breaking down Dolly’s personal experience with kidney stones, the warning signs women should never ignore and how you can reduce your risk of developing the painful condition in the first place.
Dolly Parton’s long history with kidney stones
While Dolly has suffered from kidney stones on and off over the years, one of her most recent bouts was in September 2025 when she skipped a Dollywood appearance. “I had a kidney stone that was causing me a lot of problems, turned out it’d given me an infection,” she told fans in a taped message. Weeks later, she postponed her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency at the Colosseum at Caesars.
“My doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures,” she wrote on Instagram. “You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”
Then on November 19, 2025, Dolly appeared in a sparkly blue dress to explain why she couldn’t attend the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame induction—an honor making her only the fourth woman inducted in the organization’s 100-year history. “You probably heard that I’ve been dealing with a few health challenges this fall, and my doctors told me to take it easy for just a little while,” she said in the heartfelt video.
Her sister Freida Parton, who had asked fans for prayers weeks earlier, later clarified she hadn’t meant to alarm anyone. Dolly’s rep had confirmed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal at the time, “It’s just the kidney stones, and the procedure she needs to resolve those.”
Why women over 50 should pay extra attention
Kidney stones affect roughly 10 percent of people in their lifetime, according to the Cleveland Clinic. And while men are twice as likely to develop them, a woman’s risk climbs after menopause.
“Changes in estrogen levels can alter calcium handling in the body and may increase urinary calcium levels,” Justin Houman, MD, FACS, assistant professor of urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, explains. “Bone density loss can also contribute, as calcium released from bones enters the bloodstream and eventually the urine.”
Symptoms of kidney stones you shouldn’t ignore
Passing a kidney stone is a pain that’s been compared to childbirth. But catching symptoms of kidney stones early can help you pass them while they’re still small.
“The classic symptom is sudden, severe flank pain that can radiate to the lower abdomen or groin, often described as one of the worst pains imaginable,” Dr. Houman said. Other signs include blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting and a frequent or urgent need to urinate.
In women, symptoms can be sneaky. Dr. Houman noted kidney stone pain “can sometimes mimic menstrual cramps, a urinary tract infection or even gastrointestinal issues like gas or constipation.” Watch for mild discomfort in your side, pain that shifts location or urine that’s cloudy, foul-smelling or tinged pink or brown.
Amy Yau, MD, a nephrologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, added that off-and-on chronic back pain sometimes turns out to be stones misdiagnosed as a musculoskeletal issue instead of kidney stones.
How to reduce the risk of kidney stones
Dehydration is often the biggest risk factor—but a few small habits go a long way toward helping prevent kidney stones from forming.
- Sip lemonade. UC San Francisco research shows the acidic juice doubles urinary citrate, a compound that blocks stone formation. People who drank lemonade daily lowered their risk for new stones by 87 percent.
- Eat more fiber. For every five grams of fiber consumed, kidney stone risk drops by 10 percent, dietitian Melanie Betz, RD, shared. Avocados are an excellent source.
- Take a walk. An analysis of more than 80,000 women published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found a couple of hours of easy walking per week can cut kidney stone risk by up to a third.
- Get enough calcium. Dietary calcium binds to oxalates in the intestines before they can form stones. Betz suggests Swiss, mozzarella and goat cheese as lower-sodium picks.
- Swap animal protein. Replacing some meat with legumes lowers stone-forming uric acid. Betz recommends subbing canned beans for half the ground meat in recipes.
- Boil, don’t bake. Research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows boiling foods reduces stone-forming oxalate content by up to 74 percent—that’s more effective than steaming or baking.
How to pass a kidney stone at home—and when to head to the ER
If your doctor gives the green light, drink up to 12 glasses of water a day to help flush a small kidney stone. An anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen can relax muscles and ease its passage. Your doctor may also prescribe tamsulosin, a medication that relaxes the urinary tract.
That said, you should always visit the ER for severe pain, fever, chills or trouble urinating. As Dr. Houman warns, “Those can be signs of a dangerous blockage or infection.”
Thanks to Dolly Parton’s openness, more women may recognize the signs early—and take steps to protect themselves before serious pain hits.
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