Dollywood, Oscars, and Las Vegas Casino Remove Dolly Parton From Schedule Amid Growing Concerns
Dolly Parton has long been one of the most visible and beloved entertainers in the world, balancing a legendary music career with business ventures and philanthropy. Lately, however, the country music superstar has been noticeably absent from public events as health issues prompt changes to her schedule at Dollywood, the Academy’s Governors Awards, and an upcoming Las Vegas residency.
For decades, Parton has been celebrated not just for her unmistakable voice and songwriting but also for her generosity. Her Imagination Library has provided millions of books to children, and she transformed a Tennessee theme park into the world-famous Dollywood. Since acquiring a majority stake in the 1980s, she has helped the park grow into a sprawling resort destination, adding Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Park, DreamMore Resort & Spa, and HeartSong Lodge & Resort. The park remains the largest employer in the Smoky Mountains and a symbol of her dedication to the community.
On September 16, Dollywood announced that its “Dreamer-in-Chief,” Dolly Parton, would no longer be attending an event at the park on the following day. She had been expected to help unveil NightFlight Expedition, a groundbreaking attraction set to open in 2026. Dollywood proceeded with the announcement but did not offer an explanation for her absence.
Less than two weeks later, Parton personally addressed fans about her health. On September 29, she posted an update on Instagram explaining that her Las Vegas residency, originally scheduled for December 2025 at Caesars Palace, would be delayed. She shared:
“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts. As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures. As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon! In all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you. While I’ll still be able to work on all of my projects here in Nashville, I just need a little time to get show ready, as they say. And don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. 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. I love you and thank you for understanding.”
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Only a day later, on September 30, her team announced another change: Parton will no longer attend the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Governors Award Ceremony in November. She is being honored with the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, but will accept it virtually rather than appear in person. According to a statement provided to USA Today, this decision was not made for health-related reasons.
“We told Governors Awards/Academy in June she could not attend due to a scheduling conflict when they first approached us,” her publicist explained.
In March 2025, Parton lost her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, at the age of 82. Just days after his passing, Parton released a song in his memory titled “If You Hadn’t Been There.” She wrote, “I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old. We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him.”
Dean himself rarely spoke publicly, but he did reflect on their long marriage following a private vow renewal in 2016.
“My first thought was ‘I’m gonna marry that girl,’” he said of the moment they met. “My second thought was, ‘Lord she’s good lookin.’ And that was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for nothing on this earth.”
While she is stepping away from public appearances, Dolly Parton has not announced plans to retire. Her rescheduled Las Vegas residency, Dolly: Live in Las Vegas, is now slated to open at The Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace in September 2026. It remains unclear when she might next be seen in person, though she often surprises fans with appearances at Dollywood events, including its Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration.
Have you ever seen Dolly Parton perform live? Share your memories with Disney Dining in the comments!
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