Dolly Parton is having to cancel her Las Vegas residency due to health concerns.
Fans of Parton have since flooded social media with messages of concern and support following the news.
The 79-year-old country legend, who also withdrew from her Dollywood appearance earlier this month, said she is following her doctors’ advice to take time off from performing.
Fans are especially concerned because Dolly Parton isn’t just a music legend - she’s a beloved cultural icon known for her energy, warmth, and tireless work ethic. At 79, she's remained remarkably active, so stepping back from major appearances signals that something serious may be going on. Her sudden absence from both Dollywood and her Las Vegas residency, paired with a rare statement about following doctors’ advice, has concerned fans.
Dolly Parton shares health update with fans
In a heartfelt statement, Parton explained (via BBC News): “I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts. As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures.”
Despite the serious nature of the news, the 'Jolene' singer couldn’t resist adding her signature humor, joking with her medical team that it must be time for her “100,000 mile check-up”, though she quipped it might just be another trip to her plastic surgeon.
Why Dolly is taking a break
Parton made clear that the decision was about ensuring her fans get the best performance possible: “Given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”
She confirmed she will continue working on other projects from her home in Nashville during her recovery.
The Tennessee-born star was quick to reassure fans that this isn’t a sign of retirement. “Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” Parton said. “But, I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you.”
Her words reflect the resilience and optimism that have made her one of music’s most enduring icons.
Dolly’s recent health struggles
This latest setback follows Parton’s absence from her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge earlier this month. At the time, she revealed she was recovering from kidney stones that caused an infection.
In a video message played for guests, she told visitors: “Well, I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone that was causing me a lot of problems, turned out it’d 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.’”
A pause before the next adventure
While her Las Vegas shows are postponed, Parton has not confirmed new dates yet. Fans can take comfort in knowing that she is prioritizing her health and intends to return to the stage when she feels ready.
At 79, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer remains as busy as ever, juggling music, business ventures, and her philanthropic projects, including the Imagination Library, which has gifted millions of free books to children worldwide.
As she reminded her supporters, this is only a brief pause: “I just need a little time to get show ready, as they say.”