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Dolly Parton skips 80th birthday celebration amid health concerns and canceled shows


Parton has canceled some shows, citing health concerns


Dolly Parton skips 80th birthday celebration amid health concerns and canceled shows© Getty Images
Maria LoretoSenior Writer
JANUARY 9, 2026 6:33 PM EST

Dolly Parton is skipping out on her 80th birthday celebrations. The country icon, born on January 19th, 1946, shared a video with the venue where her celebration was scheduled to be hosted, explaining that she wouldn't be attending the concert. The announcement comes after various show cancellations linked to Parton's health. 

Dolly Parton attends the opening of Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum's new exhibit 'Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker' at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on May 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.  © Getty
Parton will celebrate her 80th birthday this month

The video was shared by the account of the Grand Ole Opry, a live-country music broadcast channel from Nashville, Tennessee. The clip shows Parton addressing the camera, wearing a white button-up shirt with yellow details that she paired with some tight jeans. 

The clip showed Parton looking as healthy as ever. “Well, hey there Grand Ole Opry family,” said Parton on the clip. 

“I just wanted to say how much it means to me that you’re all coming together again this year to celebrate my big ol’ birthday with some of my songs.”

“Some of my favorite memories happened right here on stage at the Grand Ole Opry,” Parton continued. “And I wish I could be there in person, but I’ll be sending you all my love, for sure.”

View post on Instagram
 

Parton's health concerns

Dolly Parton was scheduled to host a Las Vegas residency. In September, she postponed the show, sharing the news on an Instagram post. “I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts,” she said. 

“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,” she continued, adding a few jokes, making it clear that the health concerns aren't related to her “usual trip to see my plastic surgeon.”

Parton was scheduled for a Las Vegas residency© Sam Hodde, Getty Images
Parton was scheduled for a Las Vegas residency

The lengthy post shared little details of Parton's health and what was afflicting her, only making it clear that the issue has made her pause. "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," she continued.

“While I’ll still be able to work on all of my projects from here in Nashville, I just need a little time to get show ready,” she continued. “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.”

Dolly recently had kidney stones© Getty
Parton has shared in the past that she's battled kidney stones

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