Dolly Parton, 80, has disclosed the reason behind recent health challenges that led to the cancellation of events and her Las Vegas residency. She explained that she had postponed her shows and appearances after neglecting her own well-being while caring for her late husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March 2025 at the age of 82.
"I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl," Parton told People magazine in an interview published Friday. She added that while she has faced health difficulties before, including "female issues" in the 1980s, her current struggles stem from prioritizing her husband's care over her own.
Parton's health concerns led to the cancellation of a planned appearance at her Dollywood theme park earlier in August. Instead, she made a virtual appearance for the grand opening of a new rollercoaster, the NightFlight Expedition. "I've had a few little health issues," she explained in a video message to fans. "I'm still in Nashville, and I'm sorry about that... My personal doctor has kind of clipped my wings saying, 'You ain't traveling this week.'"
In May, Parton had also canceled her six-date Las Vegas residency, "Dolly: Live at Caesars Palace's Colosseum," which was scheduled for September. At the time, she cited undisclosed "health challenges," later clarifying that her immune and digestive systems had become "out of whack" over the past three years and required rebuilding. She noted that treatments made her feel "swimmy headed," impacting her ability to perform.
Despite these health setbacks, Parton stated that she is responding well to treatments and improving daily. She acknowledged that it would take time to return to full performance capacity, especially given the demands of stage performances. "I'm doing really well and they assure me that everything I have is treatable," she said.
Parton's Las Vegas residency was initially postponed from December 2025 to September 2026. She also made a virtual appearance at the 2026 BRIT Awards in January, missing her own 80th birthday concert tribute at the Grand Ole Opry. A source had told the Daily Mail that her absence from the birthday event was not medically related.
Parton also spoke about her brother Coy 'Denver' Parton, who passed away at 82 on July 23. She mentioned feeling "worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on," which necessitated a period of rebuilding herself spiritually, emotionally, and physically. She assured fans that "all is good" and that these challenges have not significantly slowed her down.
In addition to discussing her health, Parton also highlighted her new museum, "Life Of Many Colors," located within her SongTeller Hotel in Nashville. The exhibit celebrates her career and life across different decades, with tickets available starting September 29.