Dolly Parton misses event due to kidney stone — 6 signs to watch for

Her kidney stone was giving her trouble from 9 to 5 — and beyond.

Dolly Parton, 79, nixed an appearance at a Dollywood event celebrating the Tennessee theme park’s new NightFlight Expedition attraction this week after developing a kidney stone and infection.

Parton addressed the disappointed crowd with a pre-recorded video message in a cheerful outfit.

“I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone, which caused me a lot of problems,” she explained in the clip.

“Turns out there was an infection,” the country legend continued. “And the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling around this minute, so you need a few days to get better.’ So he suggested I not go to Dollywood today.”

Anyone who has had a kidney stone can feel for Parton. These are hard deposits of minerals and acid salts that form when certain substances in urine become too concentrated.

These painful pebbles can make it difficult to urinate and keep food down.

About 11% of men and 6% of women in the US will experience these cruel crystals at least once in their lives.

Kidney stones are most often caused by dehydration because fluids help to dilute substances like calcium, oxalate and uric acid in urine.

That’s why people who sweat a lot and live in warm, dry climates can be at greater risk.

Diets rich in salt — which can raise levels of calcium in urine — and animal proteins can also up the odds you’ll develop kidney stones.

Red meat, organ meats and shellfish are high in purines, nitrogen-containing compounds that can increase uric acid levels in the body.

Experts warn of six red flags that may mean you have kidney stones:

• Urine that’s cloudy or unpleasant-smelling
• A burning or painful sensation when peeing
• Blood in urine
• Cramping pain on the side of your back, just under your rib cage
• Fever and chills that can be a sign of an infection
• Nausea and/or vomiting

You should go to the emergency room or urgent care if the symptoms seem severe. Otherwise, contact your doctor.

There are a few ways to address kidney stones, depending on their size, type and symptoms.

Treatments range from managing the stones at home with fluids to taking prescription medicine to relax the ureter so the stones can pass.

Larger or more complicated stones may require surgery. They can be life-threatening in rare cases.