Dolly Parton, the 79-year-old country music icon, faced a brief health scare earlier this month that led to canceled appearances and public concern from her family and fans. While specifics of what happened remain private, she described it as needing a “100,000-mile check-up” and some procedures, emphasizing rest and recovery. Below is a chronological timeline of key events based on public statements and announcements.
September 17th: Dolly cancels a planned appearance at Dollywood in Tennessee to announce a new attraction, citing health reasons, marking the first public indication of her feeling unwell.
September 28th: Dolly postpones six dates of her “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas” residency at Caesars Palace, originally scheduled for December 4–17, 2025, to September 2026. She posts on social media, mentioning a need for medical procedures and rest, assuring fans she’s not retiring and will work on projects from Nashville.
October 7th (morning): Freida Parton, Dolly’s sister, posts on Facebook asking for prayers, stating she was up all night praying as Dolly “hasn’t been feeling her best lately,” urging fans to pray but expressing confidence in Dolly’s strength. Frieda shared,
Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me. She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!
October 7th (afternoon/evening): Freida follows up on Facebook to clarify her earlier post, saying she didn’t mean to alarm fans, noting Dolly is “a little under the weather” but will be fine, aiming to reduce public concern.
I want to clear something up. I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly. She’s been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer. It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister. Thank you all for lifting her up. Your love truly makes a difference.
October 8th (morning): Dolly posts a video on Instagram from her Nashville home, humorously confirming she’s “not dead yet,” addressing health rumors. She mentions needing rest after recent procedures and her husband’s passing, thanks fans for prayers, and promises new music, easing widespread fan worry.
