Dolly Parton postpones shows over 'health challenges'

Dolly Parton has postponed the start of her forthcoming Las Vegas residency by almost a a year, telling fans she needs "a few procedures" to deal with ongoing "health challenges".

In a statement posted on her social media accounts, the 79-year-old country music legend explained she wouldn't have enough time to rehearse for the shows, which were scheduled for The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in early December.

"I just need a little time to get show ready, as they say," she wrote, announcing rescheduled dates for September 2026.

"And don't worry about me quitting the business because God hasn't said anything about stopping yet."

Parton did not disclose the nature of her health issues, but she was recently forced to pull out of a Dollywood event after being diagnosed with a kidney stone that she said was causing "a lot of problems".

"Turned out it'd given me an infection, and the doctor said, 'You don't need to be travelling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better,'" she said in a video recorded for fans who attended the event on 17 September.

Earlier this year, she lost her beloved husband Carl after more nearly 60 years of marriage.

She later dedicated a new song, If You Hadn't Been There, to his memory.

Announcing the postponement of her six-date run at The Colosseum, Parton said: "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!"

Her message continued: "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.

The musician is best known for a string of country crossover hits including Coat of Many Colors, I Will Always Love You, 9 To 5 and Jolene.

She had been due to perform those, along with dozens of fan favourites, in Las Vegas, in what would have been her first visit to the Strip since the 1990s - when she performed alongside her Islands In The Stream duet partner, Kenny Rogers.

Original tickets will be valid for the new dates, and refunds will be available.