Dolly Parton’s Kidney Stone Struggle: Highlights Symptoms you Shouldn’t Ignore
- Staff
- May 7
- 4 min read
Country music legend Dolly Parton recently shared that she had to cancel her Vegas shows due to ongoing kidney stone and digestive system issues. But by sharing her story, Parton is helping shine a light on a condition many people silently struggle with.
Dolly Parton and Kidney Stones
Parton told her fans on Instagram that she has dealt with kidney stones for years. She joked that doctors have “dug more stones out of me than the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee.” But behind the humor is a condition that affects millions of Americans and can cause intense pain, infections, and even kidney damage if left untreated. Kidney stones are common, painful, and may be preventable for some people. Knowing the symptoms and understanding treatment options can help you get care before complications happen.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can range in size from a grain of sand to larger than a golf ball, and can have very sharp points that tear into kidney tissue. Some stones stay in the kidney without causing problems. Others move into the urinary tract, where they can block urine flow and trigger severe pain.
Several types of kidney stones exist:
Calcium oxalate stones, the most common type
Calcium phosphate stones are also very common
Uric acid stones
Struvite stones, often linked to infections
Cystine stones, which are caused by a rare inherited condition called cystinuria
Kidney Stone Symptoms
Small kidney stones may not cause symptoms at first. If a stone moves or blocks part of the urinary tract, symptoms can appear suddenly.
Common kidney stone symptoms include:
Severe pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin
Pain that comes in waves
Burning or pain during urination
Blood in the urine
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Feeling like you need to urinate often
Nausea or vomiting
Fever or chills, which may signal an infection
Many people describe kidney stone pain as one of the worst pains they have ever experienced. An untreated blockage or infection can even damage the kidneys or become life-threatening. Seek medical care right away if you experience these symptoms.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones can develop for many reasons.
Risk factors include:
Not drinking enough fluids
Eating foods high in sodium, sugar, and/or animal protein
Obesity
Certain medications
Digestive diseases and surgeries of the digestive tract
Family history of kidney stones
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Urine that’s too acidic
Urine that’s too alkaline (basic)
People who have had one kidney stone are also more likely to develop another.
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
Doctors use several tools to diagnose kidney stones, including:
Urine tests
Blood tests
Imaging tests such as CT scans or ultrasounds
Your healthcare provider may also test the stone itself after it passes to help determine what caused it.
Kidney Stone Treatments
Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of kidney stone.
Fluids, Citrate, and Pain Management
Small stones may pass naturally with time, so doctors often recommend:
Drinking plenty of water
Pain-relieving medications
Medicines that relax the urinary tract to help stones pass more easily
Citrate is often used to bind to urinary calcium. This prevents the formation of calcium-oxalate or phosphate crystals. It makes urine less acidic, which helps dissolve uric acid stones and prevents new stone formation
Shock Wave Therapy
One common treatment is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This uses sound waves to break larger stones into smaller pieces that can pass through the urine.
Ureteroscopy
Doctors may use a thin scope inserted through the urinary tract to locate and remove or break apart stones.
Surgery
Large or complicated stones may require surgery, especially if they cause infections, bleeding, or kidney damage.
Can Kidney Stones be Prevented?
In some cases, yes.
Preventing kidney stones often starts with lifestyle changes, including:
Drinking enough water throughout the day
Reducing sodium intake
Eating balanced amounts of protein
Limiting sugary drinks
Following your doctor’s dietary recommendations
For people with recurrent stones, doctors may prescribe medications such as citrate or recommend working with a kidney dietitian.
Kidney Stones and Kidney Health
Parton’s story is a reminder that kidney stones can affect anyone, even people who seem energetic and healthy. While many people think of kidney stones as a short-term issue, recurring stones can become a chronic condition that interrupts work, travel, sleep, and daily life. And while most kidney stones can be treated successfully, repeated stones can affect long-term kidney health—especially when infections or blockages occur.
By speaking openly about her health struggles, Parton is helping reduce stigma around discussing painful and personal medical issues. Her announcement may also encourage others to recognize symptoms earlier, seek treatment sooner, and take steps to protect their kidney health.
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