Country music legend Dolly Parton has postponed six shows from her upcoming Las Vegas residency, citing health concerns.
Her family has asked fans worldwide to offer support and prayers.
Parton, 79, had been scheduled to perform at the Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace from Dec. 4 to Dec. 13, but she announced that the shows would be postponed until September 2026.
The singer explained the decision directly to fans via Instagram, citing “health challenges” that require several medical procedures.
“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts,” Parton wrote.
“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.”
In her message, Parton made light of the situation with her trademark humor, calling it a “100,000-mile check-up” and clarifying that it was not her usual visit to her plastic surgeon.
Despite the postponement, Parton reassured fans that she is not retiring from music or public appearances.
“Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” she wrote.
“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 added.
Parton’s younger sister, Freida Parton, 68, posted an update on Oct. 7 on Facebook, asking fans to pray for Dolly’s recovery.
“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly,” Freida wrote.
“Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been led to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me.”
“She’s strong, she’s loved,” Freida continued.
“And with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!”
The Daily Mail reported that earlier this year, Parton sparked concern after canceling a prescheduled trip to Dollywood, where she was to announce the park’s latest attraction.
Although she was unable to attend in person, Parton appeared in a pre-recorded video, stating that she was recovering from kidney stones.
Parton has experienced kidney issues before; in 2015, she had three kidney stones removed and reported she was “doing just fine.”
Fans and fellow celebrities quickly responded with messages of encouragement following the announcement of the Las Vegas postponement.
The outlet further noted that Jennifer Nettles, of the country band Sugarland, wrote, “Big adventures for you, for sure! Can’t wait to enjoy them with you! In the meantime, tend to yourself and feel better!”
Actress Julianne Hough responded with three heart emojis, while Olivia Munn left a string of red heart emojis on Parton’s Instagram post.
Fans also commented, “Protect this queen at all costs!!!!” and “Heal strong, Queen Dolly!”
The singer’s health updates come months after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away at age 82 on March 3.
Parton announced Dean’s death on social media, writing, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.”
In interviews following his death, Parton admitted that she became “very emotional when people bring [his death] up,” adding, “But we were together 60 years. I’ve loved him since I was 18 years old.”
Parton and Dean met in 1964 at a Nashville laundromat when she was 18 and he was 21, and they married on May 30, 1966.
Dean, who ran an asphalt business, largely avoided the spotlight, allowing Parton to pursue her music career publicly.
Parton described Dean’s role in her life, saying, “He does not want to be in the spotlight at all… He said, ‘I didn’t choose this world, I chose you, and you chose that world. But we can keep our lives separate and together.’ And we do and we have.”
Dean also inspired Parton’s hit song “Jolene,” written from the perspective of a woman pleading with another to not steal her lover, after a bank teller became enamored with him.
Despite personal and health challenges, Parton continues to maintain her public presence and remains engaged with her fans, assuring them that she will return to Dollywood and resume her performance schedule in due course.
