Dolly Parton cancels all Vegas shows, gives update on health issues
Dolly Parton cancels all Vegas shows, gives update on health issues
Edward Segarra, USA TODAYTue, May 5, 2026 at 11:47 AM UTC
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Dolly Parton is opening up about her health again, seven months after sparking concerns among fans.
Parton, 80, revealed in a video shared on social media Monday, May 4, that she's been suffering from various medical issues in recent years.
"You know I've told you before, I've always had problems with my kidney stones," Parton said, jokingly adding that "they dig more stones out of me a year than the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee."
"But seriously, my immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past three years," Parton continued. "And [doctors] are working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those."
In October 2025, Parton drew concern after her sister, Freida Parton, asked for prayers for the singer on social media amid "health challenges" that caused her to postpone several Las Vegas concert dates by nine months.
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Parton later shared a video addressing the speculation, acknowledging that while she had some health-related "problems" to deal with, "everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am."
The "Jolene" singer assured fans on Monday that she's "responding really well to meds and treatments," some of which she joked "make me a little bit swimmy-headed," or dizzy.
"And of course, I can't be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on five-inch heels, and you know that I'm going to be wearing them," Parton continued. "Not to mention all those heavy rhinestone outfits, the big hair, my big personality. ... But just think of me as like an old classic car, that once restored can be better than ever."
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Dolly Parton opens up about grieving husband Carl Dean
Parton, whose longtime husband Carl Dean died in March 2025 at age 82, took a moment to thank fans for their support amid Dean's death. The singer said she went through a "hard" year of "firsts," including the couple's 59th wedding anniversary, which took place two months after Dean's death.
"A lot of you've been concerned about me and Carl, and you were so great about that," Parton said in Monday's video. "I will always love him, and I will always miss him, but you would be surprised at how much your love and concern meant to me during that time.
"Lord, my house and my porch looked like the botanical gardens with all the flowers. And my den looked like the post office with all the cards and letters. So yes, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. You have been a big part of my healing."
Dolly Parton cancels Las Vegas concerts but remains busy amid recovery, singer says
Parton also apologized to fans for canceling her series of Las Vegas concerts amid her rehabilitation.
"It's going to take me a little while before I'm up to stage-performance level," she said. "Well, you get on to Vegas. You have a big time, and hopefully, some time you'll come up to New York and maybe see my show."
During her recovery, the singer said she's continued working on some projects from home, such as her upcoming Broadway musical, "Dolly: A True Original Musical," and her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood.
"I've still got some healing to do, but I am on my way!" Parton concluded in the video's caption. "See you soon."
This story has been to add new information.
Contributing: KiMi Robinson and Tajuan Moorman
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dolly Parton cancels Vegas shows, says 'still got some healing to do'
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
