Country music icon Dolly Parton has announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency due to “some health challenges” that necessitate “a few procedures”. The 79 year old superstar had previously cancelled an appearance at her Dollywood theme park on 17 September, owing to kidney stones trouble, and now she’s been compelled to delay her six-date residency at the Colosseum in December. The shows, titled Dolly: Live in Las Vegas, were scheduled for 4, 6, 7, 10, 12 and 13 December.

In a statement on social media, the ‘Jolene’ singer explained: “I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts.

“As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures. As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!

“In all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”

Dolly jested that she merely needs “a little time to get show-ready,” and has no intention of retiring anytime soon.

She went on to say: “While I’ll still be able to work on all of my projects from here in Nashville, I just need a little time to get show ready, as they say. “And don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. But, I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you. I love you and thank you for understanding.”

In a video message broadcast at the Dollywood event, she greeted: “Hello Dollywood! It’s me. I know – and I’m here, and you’re there. And you’re wondering why that is? Well, I had a little problem.

“I had a kidney stone that was causing me a lot of problems, turned out it’d given me an infection, and the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be travelling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better. ‘”

Comforting her fans, she added: “He suggested I not go to Dollywood today, but I’m there with you in spirit. I was looking so forward to it. Don’t worry about me, I’m gonna be okay. Just can’t do it today.”