Through Pain and Loss, Dolly Parton Stays Unshakably Strong — But Takes a Pause to Heal
In a moving announcement on September 29, 2025, legendary performer Dolly Parton shared that she has been privately battling a series of health issues — and as a result, she will be postponing her much-anticipated Las Vegas residency. The 79-year-old country music trailblazer made the update through Instagram, opening up to fans with her usual honesty and heart.
“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,” she wrote. While she didn’t disclose all the details, the message reflected both the severity of her condition and her commitment to her craft.
“Given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see me perform,” she continued. “I want to be at my best for you.”
The announcement followed a string of missed appearances, including her absence from Dollywood earlier in the month due to medical advice to avoid travel. That day, visitors to the theme park watched a pre-recorded video message in which Dolly explained that a kidney stone was the cause of her absence.
The toll of her health struggles has extended beyond performance. Parton was recently honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award — a tribute to her life’s work in philanthropy — but had to bow out of attending the ceremony in person.
To make matters even more heartbreaking, this year also marked the passing of her beloved husband of 60 years — a quiet but immense loss in her personal life. Despite the profound grief and physical challenges, Dolly Parton continues to inspire with her spirit.
In her post, she didn’t dwell on the hardship — instead, she kept the tone light, even humorous: “It must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeons!” The line reminded fans why they love her — her ability to make light of even the toughest moments.
And most importantly, Dolly reassured her loyal supporters that she isn’t stepping away for good: “Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.”
Her courage, humor, and humility continue to touch hearts around the world. While Dolly takes time to heal, her fans remain by her side — waiting for the day she returns to the stage, just as radiant and resilient as ever.
