Dolly Parton to Miss Oscars’ Governors Awards Amid Health Concerns

Due to health issues, Dolly Parton has canceled her appearance at the upcoming Governors Awards this November, where she was scheduled to be honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The country music legend is also postponing her first Las Vegas residency in more than thirty years—a series of December shows at Caesars Palace—following medical advice. Parton, a two-time Academy Award nominee known for hits like “Nine to Five,” is taking time away from the spotlight to prioritize her health.

In a statement shared online, the 79-year-old performer explained that her recovery period would prevent her from adequately preparing for the Las Vegas concerts, which have been rescheduled for September 2026. She stressed her commitment to returning to the stage only when she can meet the energetic standards her audience deserves. As a result, she will also miss the 16th annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles on November 17th; she had initially planned to join the ceremony virtually from her home in Nashville.

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award—presented with an Oscar statuette—honors individuals in the film industry whose charitable contributions have advanced social equality and human welfare. Dolly Parton, whose philanthropic reach is as legendary as her six-decade music career, was named a recipient in June alongside Tom Cruise, Debbie Allen, and Wynn Thomas. Her Dollywood Foundation, founded in 1988, has long supported education in East Tennessee, while her Imagination Library program has delivered over 285 million free books to children globally since 1995. As one philanthropy analyst noted, “Parton has transformed celebrity influence into tangible community impact, creating a blueprint for artist-led humanitarian work.”

This year has also brought personal loss for Parton, following the death in March of her husband, Carl Dean, after nearly 60 years of marriage. The Academy has previously recognized honorees unable to attend the ceremony, such as filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard and, last year, Quincy Jones, who passed away shortly before the event. Even while stepping back from public life, Dolly Parton’s legacy remains secure: with more than 100 million records sold worldwide and a profound charitable footprint, her influence continues to resonate across both music and social causes.