Country music legend Dolly Parton has postponed her much-anticipated Las Vegas residency, originally scheduled for December 2025, citing health concerns and the need for several medical procedures. The announcement, made on September 28, 2025, via her official Instagram account, sent ripples through the entertainment world and left fans both concerned and supportive, eager for updates on her condition and future plans.
Parton's residency, titled "Dolly: Live in Las Vegas," was set to mark her first extended run on the Las Vegas Strip in over three decades. The six-show engagement at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace was to coincide with the National Finals Rodeo, running from December 4 to 13, 2025. According to a press release cited by ABC News, the concert series was billed as a "hit-driven event" featuring seven decades of classics and fan favorites, including iconic tracks like "9 to 5," "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," and "Coat of Many Colors."
In her heartfelt statement to fans, Parton explained, "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. As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile 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."
The decision to postpone did not come lightly. Parton, known for her dedication to her craft and her audience, emphasized her desire to deliver the highest quality performance. "You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you," she wrote, echoing a sentiment that has earned her legions of loyal fans across generations and genres. The singer-songwriter reassured her supporters, stating, "While I’ll still be able to work on all of my projects from here in Nashville, I just need a little time to get show ready, as they say."
Parton, now 79, has faced a number of health setbacks in recent months. Earlier in September 2025, she was forced to pull out of a Dollywood appearance due to kidney stones, which led to an infection and doctor's orders to avoid travel. In a video message played for Dollywood guests, she explained, "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.’" These health issues, combined with the need for further medical procedures, were ultimately the reason behind the Las Vegas postponement.
Despite these challenges, Parton's sense of humor and resilience remain undiminished. As reported by CNN, she joked, "It must be time for my 100,000-mile checkup, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!" Her ability to find levity even in the face of adversity has long endeared her to fans and colleagues alike.
Importantly, Parton made it clear that retirement is not on her mind. In her statement, she reassured fans, "And don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. 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." This message of perseverance and optimism has been echoed across outlets from The Mirror to NewsChannel 5, all highlighting her unwavering commitment to her career and her fans.
The postponement has logistical implications as well. According to CNN and NewsChannel 5, the Las Vegas shows have now been rescheduled for September 2026. Ticket holders have been assured that their tickets will remain valid for the new dates, and refunds are available for those unable to attend. Further instructions are being provided via email to ensure a smooth transition.
The timing of these health challenges is particularly poignant for Parton, who suffered a personal loss earlier in the year. In March 2025, her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away. The couple, who had been together since 1966, were famously private about their relationship. In July, Parton shared on Khloé Kardashian’s podcast that she was taking a break from writing new music to grieve, highlighting the emotional toll of the loss. Nevertheless, she has continued to work on other projects from her home in Nashville, demonstrating her characteristic resilience.
Parton's influence extends far beyond the stage. As noted by the San Francisco Chronicle, she has built an empire that includes her Stampede dinner shows, the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, and the Imagination Library program, which mails free books to children. She is a member of the Country, Rock 'n Roll, Songwriters, and Grammy Halls of Fame, and has won 11 Grammy awards over the course of her illustrious career. Her first hit, "Dumb Blonde," charted in 1967, and she has remained a fixture in both country and pop music ever since, with signature songs and memorable film roles in "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias."
Recognition of her humanitarian work continues to grow. In November 2025, according to CNN, Parton is set to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an honorary Oscar, for her “unwavering dedication to charitable efforts.” This honor underscores her impact not just as an entertainer, but as a philanthropist and advocate for children’s literacy and disaster relief.
While the postponement of "Dolly: Live in Las Vegas" is certainly disappointing for fans, the outpouring of support reflects the deep connection she has forged with her audience over decades. Her transparency about her health, her commitment to recovery, and her unwavering optimism have only strengthened that bond. As she recovers and prepares for her rescheduled shows in 2026, the world waits eagerly for the next chapter in the remarkable career of Dolly Parton.
For now, fans can take comfort in Parton’s own words: "Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet." The Queen of Country may be taking a pause, but her spirit—and her music—remain as vibrant as ever.
