Dolly Parton dismisses cancer claims

Dolly Parton has dismissed claims she has stomach cancer.

Rumours had been circulating that the 69-year-old country superstar had been battling the disease.

However, Dolly came forward on Wednesday (14Oct15) to issue a medical update in an attempt to reassure her fans.

In the statement, Dolly admitted she was hospitalised last month (September 15), but for a different reason – to have some kidney stones removed.

Following the routine procedure, Dolly insisted she is back to her best.

"There is absolutely no truth at all that I have stomach cancer," Dolly said. "I love and appreciate everyone's concern."

Adding that she had the stones removed three weeks ago, Dolly continued: "I am doing just fine. I am back to work and last week I was at Dollywood filming parts for my new movie Coat of Many Colors."

The film is a NBC holiday movie based on Dolly's own upbringing. It stars Alyvia Lind as the young Dolly, while Jennifer Nettles will also be appearing in the project.

Dolly has enjoyed a hugely successful career since she first rose to fame at the tender age of just 13.

As well as her musical skills, the singer opened up her theme park Dollywood in 1986, a tourist attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

And although critics in the Eighties predicted Dollywood's swift demise, the recreational facility is more popular than ever.

"It's amazing how time goes by," Dolly told People magazine earlier this year. "When I think 30 years, to me it seems like about 15 at the most. To think 30 years, and then I think how old I'll be in the next 30 years, I think, 'Let's not think about that.' But [the park] has not only survived, it's grown every year."

Dollywood has added a water park and will be opening the luxurious DreamMore Resort later on this year.