Entertainment Report
Dolly Parton Cancels Las Vegas Residency, Shares Candid Health Update on Kidney Stone Battle
American icon Dolly Parton is opening up about her ongoing medical journey, delivering a message that is equal parts vulnerable and optimistically "Dolly." In a video posted to Instagram on Monday, May 4, the 80-year-old superstar announced the official cancellation of her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency as she continues to prioritize her long-term wellness.
The residency, which was originally postponed last September without a specific medical explanation, has been a major point of anticipation for fans. However, Parton shared that while she is improving, she isn't quite ready for the grueling demands of a headlining show.
"More Stones Than a Rock Quarry"
Deploying her legendary wit to discuss a painful subject, Parton detailed her recurring struggle with kidney stones. "Lord, they dig more stones out of me a year than the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee," she joked in the video.
Beyond the kidney stones, Parton revealed that the past few years have taken a toll on her overall physical health. "Seriously, my immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple-three years, and they're working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those," she explained.
A Year of Grief and Resilience
The health update comes during a period of significant personal transition for the 11-time Grammy winner. Last year, Parton lost her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean. In her Monday post, she took a moment to thank her global fanbase for the "love and concern" shown during her time of grief.
"I will always love him, and I will always miss him," she said, adding that the support from her "fans and family" has been a vital part of her healing process.
The Road Back to the Stage
Despite the cancellation of the Vegas residency, the "Smoky Mountain Songbird" isn't calling it quits. She made her first public appearance in months this past March to celebrate the 41st anniversary of her beloved Dollywood theme park, assuring the crowd then that her "little health issues" were being handled by top-tier doctors.
"The good news is I’m responding really well to meds and treatments, and I’m improving every day," Parton assured her followers. "My doctors assure me that everything I have is treatable."
She punctuated her message with a final nod to her fans, echoing the lyrics of her most famous anthem: "I will always love you. Thank you."
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By: NBC Palm Springs
May 5, 2026


