Dolly Parton, the legendary voice of country music, has decided to hit the pause button on her Las Vegas shows. Citing health concerns, the superstar announced she will postpone her concerts for almost a year. The 79-year-old singer shared this personal news directly with her fans. She posted a heartfelt statement shared via Instagram on Sunday, September 28. “I want the fans and the public to hear it directly from me,” Parton wrote. “Sadly, I’ll have to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts.”
She explained that she’s been facing some health challenges. Her doctors have advised her to undergo a few procedures. With her signature wit, Dolly joked, “As I kidded them, it must be time for my 160,000-mile checkup, though it’s not the typical trip to see my plastic surgeon!” On a more serious note, she stated she won’t be able to properly rehearse or prepare the show she envisions. “You pay good money to see me perform,” she added, “and I want to be my best for you.”
Parton quickly reassured her devoted following that she isn’t stepping away from music. She plans to keep working on her many projects from her Nashville home while she recovers. “I just need a little time to get show-ready, as they say,” she continued in her message. “And don’t worry about me quitting the business, because God hasn’t told me anything about stopping yet.” Instead, she believes this is a sign to slow down. This break will help her get ready for “more great adventures” with her fans. She concluded her announcement with gratitude, writing, “I love you and thank you for understanding.”
The six Las Vegas performances, originally scheduled for this December, have new dates. Fans can now look forward to seeing Dolly on stage in late September 2026. This rescheduled timeline offers the star ample time to rest and recover.
Dolly Parton Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Parton’s recent health challenges follow a period of personal sorrow. Her husband, Carl Dean, passed away earlier this year at 82. Dolly shared the sad news on Instagram on March 3. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” she wrote. “There are no words to express the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and expressions of love.” She confirmed that Dean died in Nashville and was laid to rest in a private ceremony with close family.
Before his passing, Parton spoke about her decades-long marriage to Carl. In a January 2022 interview with Us Weekly, she shared insights into what made them a perfect match. “We both have a great sense of humor,” she explained at the time. “We can work through any problem and any situation, making jokes and not letting things get too heavy.” She added, “But we respect and love each other. We were lucky, let’s just say that.” Parton also offered some advice for lasting love. She noted that most marriages stay strong with a little effort. Sometimes, people become “careless and lazy” over minor issues. “And if that’s the worst you have to worry about,” she wisely observed, “you already have problems.”