Dolly Parton forced to cancel Las Vegas residency as health update issued

Dolly Parton has been forced to cancel this year's Las Vegas residency over health concerns.

The 'Jolene' hitmaker was due to perform six nights at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace between December 4 and December 13.

The 79-year-old has now rearranged the shows for September 2026 instead.

Issuing a statement via social media, Dolly said: "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.”

She continued: “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.

"You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you."

She added: "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."

The country star went on to quash any fears of her retirement, adding: "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."

She concluded: "I love you and thank you for understanding."

Parton's Las Vegas shows are now taking place between September 17 and September 26 2026 instead.

"Tickets are valid for the new dates and refunds will be available," the star's Instagram statement added.

Dolly, who shot to fame with her 1967 hit 'Dumb Blonde', has previously played almost 50 shows in Vegas.

Her last extended run was in 1993 at the Mirage.

Parton's final major tour was the North American Pure & Simple Tour, which ran from June to December 2016.

She has made occasional special appearances, including the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and a performance at CMA Fest in Nashville last June.

Back in March, Parton shared the heartbreaking news that her husband of almost 60 years, Carl Dean, had died at the age of 82.

In June, she said she'd put writing songs on hold as she coped with the devastating loss. The pair had met back in 1964 outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville.

Parton was 18 and Dean was 21. Sparks flew as Dean drove past in his pickup truck when he saw Parton outside and ‘hollered’ at her, she told The New York Times in 1976.

Their marriage had stood the test of time, and the couple even renewed their vows in 2016 at their Nashville home.