**Dolly Parton Battling Kidney Stone Issues Amid Relentless Work Pace Following Husband’s Death**

*Published October 25, 2025, 7:00 a.m. ET*

Aging showbiz legend Dolly Parton has been struggling with kidney stone issues that recently forced the “Jolene” singer to cancel an appearance. RadarOnline.com has learned that friends are growing increasingly concerned for the country music icon’s welfare, as she refuses to slow down despite her health setbacks.

The 79-year-old superstar has been burning the candle at both ends since the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, who died at age 82 in March this year.

**Dolly ‘Won’t Stop’ After Carl’s Death**

“Dolly simply will not stop, and she’s hardly taken a breath since Carl passed away,” an insider shared. “Only a few days after he died, she made an appearance at Dollywood to celebrate the park’s 40th anniversary, and she’s been going non-stop ever since.

“She hasn’t broken a single commitment, at least not until she got sick.”

Parton had planned to announce the new NightFlight Expedition ride at her Dollywood amusement park on September 17 but was forced to cancel due to her illness.

In a video message at the time, Dolly explained, “I had a kidney stone that was causing me a lot of problems. It turned out it had given me an infection. And the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better.’

“He suggested I not go to Dollywood today. And I’m there with you in spirit … Don’t worry about me. I’m gonna be okay.”

**Friends Plead with Dolly to Slow Down**

Despite Parton’s upbeat message, the insider revealed, “Everyone has been begging her to slow down – but her answer is always that Carl would want her to keep working, and it makes her happy.

“But she’s struggling and hasn’t given herself any time to grieve. With the way she’s been pushing herself, it was only a matter of time before it caught up with her.”

According to the source, untreated painful kidney stones can cause permanent damage to the kidneys over time.

**Support System Urges Health Care**

“The good news is she will recover,” the insider said. “The worry, of course, is that if she doesn’t slow down and start taking care of her health, she’ll end up with something worse.

“She may think she’s invincible, but she’s not. Her friends worry that she’s going to work herself into the ground. They’re desperately trying to talk sense into her.”

As Dolly continues to navigate this challenging time, fans and loved ones alike hope she’ll prioritize her health while honoring her beloved husband’s memory.
https://radaronline.com/p/dolly-parton-health-fears-refuses-to-slow-down/