Dolly Parton has announced the cancellation of her upcoming Las Vegas residency that was scheduled to begin on September 17, 2026, but her fans can still look forward to her upcoming Broadway musical about life.
In a Monday, May 4 video message to her fans, the 80-year-old superstar promised, “I am still working. I still do videos, I still do videos, and go up and down to Dollywood.”
I’m spending a lot of time writing and rewriting on my Broadway musical. It’s called ‘Dolly: An Original Musical,’ and it’s gonna be opening later in New York this fall or early winter.
I know you’re thinking ‘Lord, sick or well, that girl’s always promoting something. But that’s how you get it done!”
Dolly is not set to perform in the show, but has had a huge hand in its making. On her website, Dolly tells fans, “I’ve written many original songs for the show and included all your favorites in it as well. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll clap, you’ll stomp, it truly is a Grand Ol’ Opera. Pun and fun intended.“
The “Coat of Many Colors” singer revealed the reason for the cancellation was a need to receive some health procedures, and listed kidney stones as one of her ailments.
Dolly’s Vegas Residency Was Previously Postponed Before Being Entirely Cancelled, & Dolly’s Sister Freida Requested Prayers
In the fall of 2025, Parton announced that she needed to postpone the upcoming Vegas shows. She told her fans in a September 28 statement:
“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will kneed 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. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you. While I’m still able to work on all of my projects from 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.”
The “Jolene” singer said the shows, which were originally scheduled for December 2025, would be moved to September 2026.
The postponement sparked widespread concern from Dolly’s adoring fans, which was intensified by a public request for prayers from her sister, Freida Parton, that October.
On October 7, 2025, Freida wrote on Facebook, “Last night I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I 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!”
Refunds Will Be Issued for Dolly Parton’s Las Vegas Shows: What Fans Need to Know
Ticketholders for the cancelled Dolly Parton Las Vegas residency need to watch their email inboxes for instructions regarding refunds from the party they purchased their tickets from, per Woman’s World Daily.
Many hotel reservations may be able to be cancelled, as the outlet says many hotels on the Strip allow free cancellation up to 48 or 72 hours before check-in. Rates booked through pre-paid third parties are more often nonrefundable.
Fans who purchased travel insurance on their trips should check if event cancellation is covered, the mag says.
