One of the most anticipated faces of the upcoming Governors Awards won’t be showing up — and it’s turning heads across Hollywood and beyond. Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer and cultural icon, has officially pulled out of attending this year’s Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ annual honorary Oscar ceremony, where she was set to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award per Deadline.
The event, scheduled for November 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood, will go on as planned, but Parton’s absence has been quietly circulating behind the scenes for weeks. Only now is it becoming public — and it adds to a growing list of canceled appearances and rescheduled events from the 77-year-old superstar.
She’s Still Receiving the Award — But She Won’t Be There
While Dolly will still be officially honored by the Academy, she won’t be there in person to accept her statuette. And while no official statement has come from her camp as of yet, the decision to skip the ceremony comes amid a string of very public cancellations, all pointing to something more serious going on behind the scenes.
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, one of the Academy’s most respected lifetime achievement honors, is awarded to individuals in the film industry whose humanitarian work has made a real difference. For Parton — whose charitable efforts range from disaster relief to childhood literacy and pandemic funding — it’s a fitting tribute.
But what was supposed to be a night of celebration is now stirring concern from fans, especially following her recent announcements.
Las Vegas Residency? Postponed Until 2026
Earlier this week, Parton made headlines when she canceled her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace. The six-night show run was scheduled for December 4–16, but those plans are now on pause.
In a statement shared Monday, she revealed that she’s dealing with unspecified “health challenges” and that her doctors have advised she undergo a series of medical procedures. The performances have been rescheduled to September 2026, nearly a full year later than originally planned.
No further medical details were disclosed, and Dolly has largely kept a low profile since the announcement.
Dollywood Appearance Also Scrapped
On September 17, she was slated to appear at Dollywood for a special press event to announce a major new attraction planned for the park’s 2026 season — which will coincide with the 40th anniversary of Dollywood under her leadership. However, the day before the event, the park released a last-minute update via Instagram stories saying that Dolly would not be attending the announcement.
The event still took place — complete with new ride reveal — but the absence of the park’s beloved “Dreamer-in-Chief” didn’t go unnoticed.
Though Dollywood only cited a “change in schedule,” the back-to-back cancellations (including the Vegas residency and now the Governors Awards) are painting a clearer picture.
Quiet Year, Big Loss
In addition to these canceled appearances, 2025 has been an emotionally difficult year for Parton. Back in March, she announced the passing of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, her partner of nearly 60 years. Though rarely seen in public, Dean was a major presence in Parton’s private life, and the news of his death was met with an outpouring of condolences from fans around the world.
Since then, Dolly has kept working — releasing new projects, making limited media appearances, and continuing to develop Dollywood and her various business ventures — but the steady slowing down of her public commitments suggests she may be reevaluating how much time she spends in the spotlight.
A Legacy Beyond Appearances
Despite her no-shows, Parton’s impact remains impossible to ignore. The Hersholt Award is just the latest recognition in a long line of accolades honoring her philanthropy. Her Imagination Library has sent over 200 million free booksto children globally. She’s donated millions to hospitals, funded scholarship programs, and even helped back early COVID-19 vaccine research.
She’s also a business powerhouse — from her music empire and publishing deals to her theme park and product lines. Dollywood alone is a juggernaut, employing thousands and driving tourism throughout eastern Tennessee. The upcoming 2026 attraction, despite her absence from its announcement, is expected to be a major expansion as the park celebrates its 40th anniversary under her name.
Even without stepping on stage or walking a red carpet, Dolly Parton is still doing what she’s always done: leaving an outsized impact on the world around her.
Still Unclear If She’ll Deliver a Remote Message
The Academy has yet to confirm whether Parton will submit a video acceptance speech or remote message for the November 16 ceremony. In past years, when recipients have been unable to attend, the show has made accommodations — so a digital message from Dolly wouldn’t be surprising, though nothing has been announced.
Alongside Dolly, this year’s Governors Awards will honor Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and Wynn Thomas. Each honoree will receive Oscar statuettes for their lifetime achievements in the film industry.
But it’s Dolly’s name — and now, her absence — that’s generating the most chatter.
What’s Next for Dolly?
At the moment, it’s unclear when Parton will return to public appearances. Her next major scheduled events aren’t until late 2026, when she’s expected to resume her Las Vegas performances and participate in Dollywood’s 40th anniversary.
For now, fans are wishing her well and hoping she’s taking the time she needs — especially as she navigates both personal loss and reported health issues.
One thing’s for certain: Dolly doesn’t need to be in the room to be celebrated. Whether she’s performing, writing, giving, or healing, her influence continues to ripple far beyond any single event.
