Dolly Parton Misses Another Event On Doctor’s Orders
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
Dolly Parton should be preparing for her first tour in years right now. Instead, she’s home in Nashville, Tennessee, recovering from health issues. The entertainment icon turns 80 in January. Despite previously saying she has no plans to retire, her public appearances are on hold under doctor’s orders. Keep reading to find out more about her ongoing health issues.
Dolly Parton Received Honorary Oscar After Previous Nominations
Dolly Parton is much more than just a singer. She is also an actress, a businesswoman, and a philanthropist, to name a few side gigs. She famously starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the 1980 blockbuster 9 to 5. Dolly also wrote and performed the title song from the soundtrack.
The hit song earned Dolly Parton her first Oscar nomination. She was nominated a second time in 2005 in the Original Song category for “Traveling Thru” from Transamerica. The singer didn’t win an Oscar either of those times, but she has one now.
The Academy Awards hosted a special ceremony on Sunday, November 16, to hand out honorary Oscars to several Hollywood legends. Actor Tom Cruise received an award for his contribution to film. Actress and dancer Debbie Allen received an honorary Oscar as well.
Dolly Parton was given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award Oscar. Unfortunately, she couldn’t attend the event in person. She gave a video address, thanking the Academy for the huge honor. Her team chalked her absence up to a scheduling conflict, but the singer missed another event days later.
She Missed Another Recent Event On Doctor’s Orders
One of Dolly Parton’s many, many interests outside of music is her beloved Dollywood theme park. The theme park opened in 1986 and recently overtook Disney World as America’s most-visited theme park.
Dolly Parton was supposed to attend the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Orlando days after receiving an honorary Oscar. But instead of attending in person, the beloved singer could only be there via video.
The official Dollywood Instagram posted a video address from Dolly Parton explaining her absence. She blamed her absence on doctor’s orders.
Dolly Parton has been inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions @IAAPAHQ Hall of Fame. Here’s part of what she had to say:
“The theme park world is full of some of the most creative and kind-hearted people that you’ll ever meet. I’m just so… pic.twitter.com/y8c3GtaJ4M
— Marcus Leshock (@marcusleshock) November 19, 2025
“Well hey there, it’s Dolly, and I sure wish I could be with you in person today, but you probably heard that I’ve been dealing with a few health challenges this fall, and my doctors told me to take it easy for just a little while,” she said.
Dolly added, “So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for this honor, from me and from everyone who makes Dollywood what it is.”
Rumors circulated online that Dolly Parton was on her deathbed after she canceled her Las Vegas Residency. The tour has been rescheduled for September 2026. Hopefully, the singer will be in better health by then.
