Last week, we reported that the country music legend Dolly Parton was forced to miss a Dollywood event amidst a major health scare. Now, Parton has announced that the Las Vegas concerts that she’d been scheduled to perform for the remainder of 2025 by almost a year.
Parton Makes Devastating Health Announcement
“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts,” Parton, 79, wrote on Instagram on Sunday. “As many of you know, I’ve been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures. As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000 check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!”
“In all seriousness, 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,” she continued. “You see good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”
Parton went on to assure her loyal fans that she won’t be retiring from performing.
“And don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” Parton concluded. “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. I love you and thank you for understanding.”
Parton then released a list of her revised tour dates. It shows that all of her upcoming December of 2025 dates will be postponed to the fall of 2026.
Parton had been set to perform at the The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in December for a limited engagement. This was going to be the first time she’d perform an extended run in Las Vegas in 32 years.
Parton Misses Dollywood Appearance
This came days after Parton missed an appearance at Dollywood on September 17. Instead, Parton sent a video message in which she explained her absence.
“Hello Dollywood! It’s me,” Parton told the attendees in a pre-recorded video. “I know – and I’m here, and you’re there. And you’re wondering why that is? 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,’” she continued.
“So, he suggested I not go to Dollywood today, but I’m there with you in spirit,” Parton concluded. “I was looking so forward to it.”
Check out Parton’s full statement in the video below.
Parton Mourns Her Husband
This comes after an incredibly difficult year for Parton. Indeed, she tragically lost her husband Carl Dean back in March. The two of them had been married since 1966. Dean died on March 3 at the age of 82.
Despite being married to one of the most famous women in the world for nearly 60 years, Dean was an incredibly private person. That’s why no cause of death has ever been announced for him.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” Parton wrote on social media at the time. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
‘I Will Always Love You…’
Days later, Parton issued another statement thanking her fans and loved ones for their support.
“This is a love note to family, friends, and fans. Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers that you’ve sent to pay your respects for the loss of my beloved husband Carl,” Parton said. “I can’t reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me.”
“He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you,” she continued. This was a clear reference to her 1973 hit song “I Will Always Love You.”
Though Parton was soon able to get back to work, she’s still been understandably grieving her husband. It’s unfortunate that on top of all of that, she’s now been hit with health challenges of her own.
Parton is a true legend, and there will never be another one like her. In a time where so many celebrities are polarizing, she’s someone that is universally beloved by all.
Please join us in saying a prayer for Dolly Parton as she fights to get her health back on track!