Country music icon Dolly Parton is stepping back from the stage—for now—as she focuses on her health, offering fans both honesty and hope in a heartfelt update that reflects her enduring spirit.

In a video shared on social media, Parton opened up about why she made the difficult decision to cancel her upcoming Las Vegas residency, telling fans she had “some good news and a little bad news.” The good news, she said, is that she’s making progress. “I’m responding really well to meds and treatments and I’m improving every day,” she shared.

But the road to recovery hasn’t been easy. The 80-year-old star admitted she’s not yet ready to return to the demanding level of live performance. “It’s going to take me a little while before I’m up to stage-performance level,” she explained, adding with her signature humor that treatments sometimes leave her feeling “a little bit swimmy-headed.” She joked, “I can’t be dizzy, carrying around banjos, guitars, and such on five-inch heels.”

Thank you for standing by me and showing me so much love and support over the past year. I’ve still got some healing to do, but I am on my way! See you soon. ? ? pic.twitter.com/HXpJqTUJXZ

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) May 4, 2026

Parton, known for her wit, used a vivid metaphor to describe her condition. “I’m like an old classic car,” she said. “Once restored it can be better than ever, but… I need to rebuild my engine.” She continued, listing off issues like a “slipping transmission” and “leaking oil pan,” before reassuring fans, “I can’t lose my spark.”

Behind the humor is a real health struggle. Parton revealed she has long dealt with kidney stones, which have affected her immune and digestive systems. “They’re working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those,” she said.

Despite these challenges, Parton emphasized that she’s far from slowing down completely. “I am still working,” she said. “I still do videos, I still record… I’m working hard on getting my museum and my hotel open in Nashville.” She’s also pouring energy into her Broadway musical, “Dolly: A True Original Musical,” expected to debut in New York later this year.

The decision to cancel her Las Vegas shows—six performances scheduled for September—was not made lightly. “I am truly sorry that I’m gonna miss all of you,” she told fans. “Hopefully… I’ll see you somewhere down the line.”

The past year has also brought personal heartbreak. Parton reflected on the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March 2025 after nearly six decades of marriage. “I will always love him and I’ll always miss him,” she said, thanking fans for their support during such a difficult season.

Even in the midst of grief and health challenges, Parton’s faith and gratitude shine through. “They say that a happy heart is like good medicine,” she said, choosing to keep her outlook “light and airy.” She reassured fans that she’s in good hands medically, adding, “I have great doctors… everything I have is treatable.”

For a woman whose life and career have been built on resilience, joy, and unwavering faith, this moment is simply another chapter—not the final one.

Lord, thank You for Dolly’s strength and spirit. Bring her healing, peace, and renewed energy. Surround her with Your comfort and grace. Amen.