Dolly Parton was forced to cancel several appearances in 2025 amid health struggles. Now, she’s canceled her 80th birthday celebration. She turns 80 on January 19. The “9 to 5” singer shared a health update with fans amid the shocking cancellation. Keep reading to find out how she’s doing these days.
Dolly Parton Cancels 80th Birthday
Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin in Pittman Center, Tennessee. She grew up poor, cramped in a small cabin in the Smoky Mountains with her parents and eleven siblings. But she knew early on that she was destined for stardom.
She recorded her first song, “Puppy Love,” when she was just 13. Her career really took off after she joined The Porter Wagoner Show. She left the show after seven years to focus on a solo career. Dolly Parton wrote her famous hit “I Will Always Love You” about Porter Wagoner.
The singer faced unspeakable heartbreak when her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away in early 2025 after a long illness. Dolly Parton was hit with health issues of her own while mourning her late husband. She was forced to cancel a Las Vegas Residency planned for December 2025.
Rumors circulated online that Dolly Parton was near death. However, she assured fans that her health issues were minor and she would be back better than ever. But then she kept canceling more appearances, including a Dollywood event in November.
Sadly, Dolly Parton started the New Year off with another major cancellation. The Grand Ole Opry has an 80th birthday planned for the singer on January 17. Lainey Wilson and Vince Gill are among the performers for the special event.
Unfortunately, Dolly Parton can’t attend “Opry Goes Dolly.” The Opry shared a video address on social media from the icon herself. “Well, hey there Grand Ole Opry family,” Dolly Parton said. “I just wanted to say how much it means to me that you’re all coming together again this year to celebrate my big ol’ birthday with some of my songs.”
She continued, “Some of my favorite memories happened right here onstage at the Grand Ole Opry, and I wish I could be there in person, but I’ll be sending you all my love for sure. So you have the best night ever.”
Legendary Singer Shares Health Update After Rough Year
Dolly Parton is always there for everyone else. Now, it’s her turn to receive well-wishes and prayers from her millions of fans around the world. She didn’t give a reason for skipping out on her 80th birthday celebration at the Opry.
However, her recent social media activity hints that she’s not giving up and has a lot more in store for fans. “I wake up with new dreams every day,” she captioned a photo of herself surrounded by speakers while resting on a guitar.
Dolly Parton won’t be there, but the show must go on. Fans can watch highlights of the event on Opry Live via Circle Country, available on the Roku Channel, Tubi, Samsung TV Plus, Vizio WatchFree, and Xumo, or through FurboTV and Peacock.
