Key Points
- Miley Cyrus confirms Dolly Parton, 79, is recovering well after recent health issues.
- Parton faced a kidney stone infection in September 2025, forcing her to postpone major events.
- The country legend insists she is “not retiring” and remains eager to return to performing.
- Her postponed Las Vegas “Threads: My Songs in Symphony” shows will now take place in September 2026.
- Parton has reassured fans directly, saying she is “not dying” and still full of energy and purpose.
Miley Cyrus Offers Reassurance on Dolly Parton’s Health
Dolly Parton is on the mend and eager to get back to work, according to her goddaughter Miley Cyrus. Speaking at the Avatar: Fire and Ash premiere in Los Angeles on December 1, 2025, Cyrus told Entertainment Tonight that the 79‑year‑old music icon is recovering well after a challenging few months.
Cyrus, 33, said Parton is “thrilled to return to her work,” offering fans a welcome update following weeks of speculation about the country legend’s health.
A Difficult Year of Health Setbacks
Parton’s health concerns began in September 2025, when a kidney stone led to an infection that prevented her from attending the opening of the Dolly Parton Experience at Dollywood. Doctors advised her to avoid travel, prompting her to postpone several commitments.
Among the delays was her highly anticipated Las Vegas concert series, “Threads: My Songs in Symphony,” originally scheduled for December 2025. The shows have now been rescheduled for September 2026.
Sources previously told People magazine that Parton was “getting better every day” and had already begun decorating her home for the holidays—an encouraging sign of her improving condition.
Parton Pushes Back Against Rumors
Throughout the fall, Parton has been proactive in addressing public concern. After her sister Freida Parton asked fans for prayers in October, Dolly posted a video message with the caption “I ain’t dead yet!” to shut down rumors about her health.
She later clarified that while she needed “a few procedures,” her condition was not life‑threatening.
“I’m not dying! I’m not ready to leave this world yet. I don’t think God is finished with me, and I’m not done working,” she told fans directly.
A Legend Determined to Keep Going
Cyrus emphasized Parton’s trademark resilience, saying, “She’s always going to keep the show going. The show must go on.” That determination has defined Parton’s decades‑long career, and her latest recovery appears to be no exception.
Despite the setbacks, Parton has remained upbeat and focused on returning to the stage—reassuring fans that retirement is not on her horizon.
What Happens Next?
With her health improving and her schedule slowly returning to normal, Parton is expected to resume work in the coming months. Fans can look forward to her Las Vegas symphony shows in 2026 and potential new projects as she continues her legendary career with the same passion she’s shown for more than 60 years.
