Dolly Parton Cancels Las Vegas Residency Due to Health Challenges
Dolly Parton, the legendary country music icon, has canceled her previously postponed Las Vegas residency due to ongoing health challenges. The 80-year-old superstar shared the news in a short video posted on her official Instagram account, explaining that she is experiencing “swimmy headed” symptoms caused by her current medical treatments.
“The good news is I’m responding really well to meds and treatments and I’m improving every day,” Parton said in the video. “Now the bad news is, it’s going to take me a little while before I’m up to stage-performance level because some of the meds and treatments make me a lit bit swimmy headed, as my grandma used to say.”
She added a light-hearted touch to the announcement, joking about the physical demands of performing. “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,” she said. “Not to mention, all those heavy rhinestone outfits, the big hair, my big … uh, personality. Lord, those — that would make anybody swimmy headed!”
Parton did not provide specific details about her condition but mentioned that she has long struggled with kidney stones. She also revealed that her immune system and digestive system have been “all out of whack over the past couple three years” and are currently undergoing treatment to rebuild and strengthen.
Despite these challenges, she remains optimistic. “My doctors have assured me that everything I have is treatable, so I’m going with that,” she said.
Ongoing Projects and Future Plans
Even with her recent health setbacks, Parton continues to work on several major projects. She is still focused on opening her museum and hotel in Nashville, as well as her upcoming Broadway musical, “Dolly: A True Original Musical,” which is set to open in New York later this year.
Previous Health Challenges
This isn’t the first time Parton has faced health-related disruptions. In September, she announced that her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years would be postponed due to “health challenges.” Originally scheduled for December at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the show was moved to September before being canceled entirely on Monday.
At the time of the initial postponement, Parton reassured fans that she wasn’t quitting the business. “Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” she said. “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.”
Earlier in the year, Parton also missed the announcement of a new ride at her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, due to health issues. She had suffered from a kidney stone that led to an infection, and her doctor advised her to rest and recover before traveling.
In October, she addressed public speculation about her health with a humorous social media post. “I ain’t dead yet,” she joked in a two-minute video. “There are just a lot of rumors flying around. But I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was OK. I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me. And I ain’t done working.”
Performing and Touring
Although Parton performs occasionally, she has not toured since her “Pure & Simple Tour” ended in 2016. Her recent health challenges have led to further delays in her live performances, but she remains committed to her career and creative endeavors.
A representative for Parton directed The Associated Press back to her video message when asked for comment.
