Country music legend Dolly Parton is making a strong recovery following recent health challenges, according to an update from her goddaughter Miley Cyrus.
The 79-year-old icon is reportedly eager to return to her numerous projects and commitments.
Cyrus spoke with Entertainment Tonight last week about Parton’s current condition and outlook.
The pop star assured fans that her legendary goddaughter remains in good spirits and maintains her trademark work ethic.
“She’s always gonna keep the show going,” Cyrus said.
“The show must go on. She’s just excited to get back to work.”
Parton’s health concerns first became public in September when she was unable to attend the opening event for Dollywood’s new Night Flight Expedition ride, Resist the Mainstream reported.
The absence raised immediate questions among fans who know the performer rarely misses significant events at her beloved theme park.
In a video message to fans at the time, Parton provided details about her medical situation.
“Hello Dollywood! It’s me. 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 explained.
The health issues continued to affect Parton’s schedule.
Approximately one week after missing the Dollywood event, she made the difficult decision to postpone her Las Vegas residency.
Through an Instagram post, Parton informed her fans that she had been “dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures.”
She expressed disappointment that she was unable to “rehearse and put together a show that I want you to see.”
The postponement resulted in six scheduled performances at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace being rescheduled to September 2026.
In her characteristic style, Parton reassured fans about her long-term plans.
“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. I love you and thank you for understanding.”
The entertainer also addressed personal circumstances that contributed to her health situation. She acknowledged that following the death of her husband Carl Dean in March, she “let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of.”
Parton explained the cascading effect of delayed medical attention.
“When I got around to it, the doctor said, ‘We need to take care of this, we need to take care of that,’” she said.
“Nothing major, but I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home.”
The country icon made a point to directly address concerns about the severity of her condition.
Her message sought to calm worries while being honest about her need for medical procedures.
“I wanted you to know that I’m not dying! I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working,” Parton added.
