Dolly Parton Reveals ‘Health Challenges’ but Says God Isn’t Done with Her Yet
Michael Foust
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By Michael Foust, Crosswalk.com
Legendary country singer Dolly Parton says she is postponing a series of Las Vegas concerts to deal with undisclosed “health challenges,” but insists God still has plans for her and that she intends to carry on her career once this chapter is behind her.
Parton was scheduled to perform at a six-night Las Vegas residency Dec. 4-13 at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, but announced Sunday that the concerts will be delayed. That residency now will take place Sept. 17-26.
“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,” Parton said in a statement.
The 79-year-old performer then tossed in a dash of Dolly-style humor.
“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, 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. 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, as they say.”
Parton said her faith is giving her strength.
“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.”
Dolly Parton’s last major concert tour came to a close in December 2016 with the final show of her Pure & Simple Tour. Still, she’s held multiple one-off shows since.
It’s not the first recent health challenge for Parton. In mid-September, she missed the grand opening of a new Dollywood ride in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., due to a kidney stone that led to an infection, she said.
“The doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better,’” she announced at the time.
She’s had a busy year, releasing her latest book, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage, and unveiling DOLLY: A True Original Musical based on her life.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Theo Wargo/Staff
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
