Dolly Parton, the beloved queen of country music and a cultural icon for generations, has always been a force of nature on and off the stage. But even legends sometimes need to hit pause. In a rare move, Parton recently announced the postponement of her highly anticipated December 2025 residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, citing ongoing health challenges that require her to undergo several medical procedures. For fans who have grown accustomed to her relentless energy and unwavering commitment, the news was both surprising and concerning.
According to American Songwriter, Parton expressed her regret at having to reschedule the six-show run, originally set for December 4-16, 2025. The new dates are now locked in for September 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, and 26, 2026. Ticket holders have the option to transfer their passes to the new dates or request a full refund. In her heartfelt message to fans, Parton reassured, “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.”
This isn’t the first time in recent months that Parton’s health has forced her to step back from public appearances. Earlier in September, she missed an event at her beloved Dollywood theme park, later revealing in a video message that she’d been suffering from a kidney stone and an infection. As Taste of Country reported, this isn’t entirely new territory for Parton—ten years ago, she missed another Dollywood event due to kidney stones but bounced back to touring the following year. Despite these setbacks, Parton’s resilience remains evident, and she’s made it clear that her music and connection to fans are far from over.
Amid the swirl of headlines and speculation, another major event loomed: the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Governors Awards, scheduled for November 16, 2025. Parton is set to receive the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, a testament to her decades of charitable work and impact beyond music. When news broke that she would not attend the ceremony in person, some fans feared her health was to blame. But her representative, Marcel Pariseau, was quick to clarify, telling The Washington Post, “We told Governors Awards/Academy in June she could not attend due to a scheduling conflict when they first approached us.” Pariseau emphasized that the decision was made months in advance and had nothing to do with her health. Instead, Parton will accept the honor remotely, delivering her acceptance speech from Nashville via broadcast.
The 2025 Governors Awards will also celebrate the achievements of Tom Cruise, Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas, but Parton’s absence will be felt. Still, her team’s transparency has helped dispel rumors and keep the focus on her remarkable career. For those still worried, Parton herself has been reassuring: “You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.” Her message is clear—she’s not retiring, just taking the time needed to recover and return stronger.
While her concert schedule is on hold, another major project marches forward undeterred. The Broadway-bound bio-musical Dolly: A True Original Musical is continuing development as planned, despite Parton’s health setbacks. A representative for the show confirmed to Deadline, “The news from the weekend will not affect our development process or timeline for production.” The musical, which had its sold-out premiere in July 2025 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville, is slated for a Broadway debut in 2026. Producers, including Parton herself, have yet to announce a specific opening date.
Dolly: A True Original Musical promises to be a vibrant journey through the life of the “rhinestone in the rough,” tracing Parton’s path from her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee to the dazzling lights of Hollywood. The musical features a score packed with Parton’s greatest hits—“I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5”—as well as new songs written especially for the show. The book is co-written by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter, with direction by Bartlett Sher. The Nashville run featured Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis, and Quinn Titcomb portraying Dolly at different stages of her life, while John Behlmann took on the role of Parton’s late husband, Carl Dean.
The musical’s continued progress is especially poignant given the challenges Parton has faced this year. In March 2025, her husband Carl Dean died after a long illness, ending nearly 60 years of marriage. Despite her personal loss, Parton has remained deeply involved in her business ventures, including announcements of a new hotel, a pirate-themed show, and a new ride at Dollywood. Her ability to keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity, is a hallmark of her career—and her life.
As for the specifics of her health challenges, Parton has chosen to keep most details private. She has confirmed the need for “a few procedures,” and her statements suggest that the issues are a continuation of what she’s been dealing with recently. According to The Hollywood Reporter, her December Las Vegas residency would have marked her first string of tour dates since 2016, making the postponement especially disappointing for fans. Still, the overwhelming response has been one of support and understanding.
Parton’s representatives have gone to great lengths to keep fans informed and to quash any rumors about her stepping away from the spotlight. As Deadline and Taste of Country both confirmed, the Broadway musical remains on track, and Parton’s absence from the Governors Awards is purely logistical. The message from her camp is consistent: Dolly Parton is slowing down, not stopping.
For those who have followed her career, this brief pause is just another chapter in a story defined by resilience, generosity, and an unbreakable bond with her audience. As she put it herself, “I want to be at my best for you.” Whether from the stage in Las Vegas, the bright lights of Broadway, or the comfort of her Nashville home, Dolly Parton’s music—and her spirit—show no signs of fading.
