Credit: DollywoodCountry music legend and American icon Dolly Parton canceled her upcoming Las Vegas residency this December. The six shows were set to run at the same time as the National Finals Rodeo and would have been Parton’s first extended run in Vegas in 32 years.
This is the second time in less than a month that Parton has had to skip a public event, citing “health issues.” Last week, she was forced to skip an event at her theme park, Dollywood, announcing the park’s newest attraction for 2026, citing kidney stones.
In the announcement on social media, Parton was her usual self-depricating self, telling her fans that she joked with her doctors that, “it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up.” Parton also told fans, “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 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.”
Parton also assured her fans that she has no plans on slowing down and will continue to work while she’s recovering in Nashville, saying, “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.”
Parton has donated millions to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville to fund children’s cancer research and to fund the Hannah Dennison Butterfly Garden, named for Parton’s niece, at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital to entertain children with cancer. Parton also donated another $1 million to Vanderbilt to help fund research that led to the COVID-19 vaccine.
The country music legend has also funded animal sanctuaries, natural disaster relief, high school bands, and scholarships for high school seniors in Eastern Tennessee. She also gives Dollywood employees a paid day off to volunteer at local nonprofits.
Parton’s most successful charity has been the Imagination Library. The program mails books to children from birth until they start school to foster a love of reading.
Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, died earlier this year. After taking some time to grieve the loss, she’s been busier than ever. At 79, she’s making the most of every day.
Here’s to a speedy recovery for the American Treasure, Dolly Parton.
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