Country music legend Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday on 19 January, but fans' well-wishes were tinged with concern after the singer was forced to skip a special concert in her honour due to ongoing health issues.
Birthday No-Show Sparks Fan Worry
The iconic 9 To 5 singer turned 80 on 19 January 2026. However, celebrations were muted as she revealed she would not attend a birthday concert organised by the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. In a video message posted to the venue's social media, Parton expressed her regret. "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," she said. "And I wish I could be there in person, but I'll be sending you all my love, for sure."
This announcement followed a series of cancellations that had already alarmed her global fanbase. Earlier in the month, health issues led her to cancel a planned trip to her own Dollywood theme park in Tennessee. A spokesperson later clarified that Parton had never intended to be at the Opry event, stating: "She was never intending to be there and she was never promoted to be there... She was never going." Nevertheless, the pattern of withdrawals prompted significant concern.
A History of Health Battles and a 'Dark Time'
The recent cancellations are part of a longer history of health struggles for the star. In her 2017 memoir, Dolly On Dolly: Interviews And Encounters With Dolly Parton, she opened up about a difficult period after being diagnosed with endometriosis at age 35. Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those lining the womb develop elsewhere in the body.
"All at once, I fell apart," Parton wrote. "It was stomach problems and female problems—all over health problems actually." The diagnosis eventually led to a partial hysterectomy. She described this era as a "dark time" where she felt like a "pile of personal and emotional problems."
Her health challenges came to a head in 1984 when she collapsed during a concert after ignoring medical advice not to perform. Furthermore, Parton revealed that during this turbulent period, she developed a cyclical eating disorder, yo-yo dieting and bingeing to extremes. "Eventually my system wouldn't work anymore," she admitted. "My body couldn't hold up under that strain."
Recent Setbacks and Looking Ahead
The latest wave of concern was compounded by the reported cancellation of shows for "wellbeing reasons" following the death of her husband, Carl Dean. In her autumn video addressing the Dollywood cancellation, Parton explained, "I been dealing with a few health challenges this fall and my doctors told me to take it easy for just a little while."
Despite the worries, the Grand Ole Opry proceeded with its celebratory concert for the beloved star. Dolly Parton's legacy and contributions to music remain undimmed as she marks this major personal milestone while prioritising her health and recovery, following doctors' orders to rest.
