Dolly Parton has shared a candid health update with fans, revealing she is making “steady progress” but will step back from live performances.
The 80-year-old country legend, who has battled kidney stones for years, said she is responding well to treatment.
“I’m responding really well to meds and treatments, and I’m improving every day,” she said in a video posted to Instagram.
However, Ms Parton confirmed she will be unable to perform for the foreseeable future.
Dolly Parton has cancelled her Las Vegas residency
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Her Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace, originally planned for December 2025 and later moved to September 2026, has now been cancelled.
“I am truly sorry that I’m going to miss all of you who had tickets to see me in Las Vegas,” she added.
The Tennessee native spoke candidly about her ongoing health struggles, joking that doctors “dig more stones out of me a year than the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee”.
She also revealed she has experienced issues with her immune and digestive systems for around three years.
Ms Parton has been battling kidney stones
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Ms Parton described her condition with humour, likening herself to a vintage vehicle in need of repair.
“When they raised the hood on this old antique, they realised I need to rebuild my engine, and that my transmission is slipping,” she said.
“My oil pan is leaking, and my muffler’s busted, and my shocks and pistons need to be replaced.”
She added that some medications have left her feeling “swimmy-headed”, making it difficult to perform while carrying instruments in high heels.
The singer also reflected on a difficult year following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in 2025 aged 82.
Ms Parton described navigating a “year of firsts” without him.
“The holidays, and especially our wedding anniversary and the day of his death, March 3 — that was hard for me,” she said.
The star added that the support from fans had been deeply moving.
“Lord, my house and my porch looked like the botanical gardens with all the flowers,” she added.
“You have been a big part of my healing.”
Messages of support quickly flooded in from fans and fellow celebrities.
American actress and comedian Mary Steenburgen wrote: “In this world where heroes can sometimes seem in short supply, you are one of the best. I adore you and am sending you love.”
Dolly Parton first performed on the Grand Ole Opry on July 25, 1959, at age 13
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Gospel singer CeCe Winans added: “I will always love you!”
The official Grand Ole Opry account also commented: “We will always love you, Dolly!”
One fan called her “the best woman in the world”. Another wrote: “We need your sparkle protected at all costs!”
Despite her health challenges, Ms Parton said she remains focused on future projects.
Ms Parton is still focused on future projects
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She confirmed plans to open a museum and hotel in Nashville later this year, as well as developing her Broadway production, Dolly: A True Original Musical, set to debut in New York.
The singer reassured fans that her conditions are treatable.
“I’m doing really well, and they assure me that everything I have is treatable, so I’m going with that,” she said.
Ms Parton concluded: “I just want you to know I thank you for standing by me and that I will always love you.”