Country music icon Dolly Parton has canceled her upcoming Las Vegas residency and will not attend her 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry, citing ongoing health challenges.
"I am not yet at the performance level required for the show." – Dolly Parton
Las Vegas Residency Cancellation
Parton announced the cancellation of her residency, titled "Dolly: Live in Las Vegas," via an Instagram video on Monday. The residency was originally scheduled for a limited run of six shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in December 2025. It was postponed in September 2025 to September 2026 due to health challenges, but has now been canceled entirely.
In the video statement, Parton stated she is responding well to medications and treatments and is improving daily. However, she noted that the treatments cause dizziness, which prevents her from performing safely in costumes and heels. She stated she is not yet at the performance level required for the show. Parton encouraged ticket holders to enjoy Las Vegas nonetheless.
Parton previously addressed the postponement in October 2025, explaining that after the death of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, she had neglected her own health. She stated she required treatments for non-life-threatening conditions and expressed gratitude to fans for their support.
Grand Ole Opry Birthday Celebration
Parton will not attend her 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, scheduled for January 17, 2026, two days before her birthday on January 19.
The Grand Ole Opry confirmed her absence and stated the event will proceed with scheduled performances by Opry members Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent, and songwriter Trannie Anderson. Planned activities include birthday cupcakes, specialty "Dolly-themed" drinks, a large birthday card for fans to sign, and tributes to Parton.
In an Instagram video, Parton stated she appreciated the celebration and would send her love, expressing a wish to be present.
Related Absences
This announcement follows Parton's earlier postponement of her Las Vegas concerts and her absence from the Governors Awards gala on November 16, 2025, where she was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
"I am not quitting my career, but I need to slow down right now."
Parton has stated she is not quitting her career but believes she needs to "slow down right now."