Dolly Parton Reportedly To The Rescue As Kelly Clarkson's Struggles Intensifies

By Afouda Bamidele on August 7, 2025 at 10:45 AM EDT

A photo collage of Dolly Parton and Kelly Clarkson
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Dolly Parton is reportedly reaching out to support Kelly Clarkson as the singer battles a tough chapter both personally and professionally.

The country legend's reported gesture is coming amid Clarkson's confirmation that she had to cancel her Las Vegas shows due to a sudden family emergency.

Kelly Clarkson is said to be rethinking her workload to regain balance amid mounting pressure both at home and in her career. 

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Dolly Parton Steps In As Kelly Clarkson Reaches Breaking Point

Dolly Parton at Los Angeles premiere of 'Joyful Noise'
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Parton is reportedly worried about Clarkson and wants to speak with her in person. She is said to have extended an open invitation to her farm in Tennessee, hoping Clarkson will accept.

"Dolly's asking Kelly to come over whenever she's got the time, and Dolly hopes it's soon because this can't go on," a source revealed. 

Those close to Parton say that the star has been hearing from mutual friends that Clarkson's behavior has shifted, crying often, appearing overwhelmed, and just not herself. "Dolly's always known Kelly to be steady as she goes," the person adds.

RadarOnline reports that Parton is planning to do what she does best, which is "Give Kelly some country comforting and some of her homemade apple pie."

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But she also wants to give Clarkson some hard-earned advice on how to survive the weight of fame and learn how to step back when it gets too much.

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The 'American Idol' Alum Halts Vegas Shows As Ex-Husband's Health Declines

What adds fuel to the reports about her emotional state is that Clarkson recently called off her Las Vegas shows because of a family emergency.

The singer announced on X that she is postponing the rest of her August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas, citing the ill health of her former partner, Brandon Blackstock.

"While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children's father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them," Clarkson shared in the statement.

The songwriter and Blackstock share two children, River and Remington. The 43-year-old concluded by expressing regret over the sudden change and thanked fans for their patience, but gave no details on refunds or rescheduling.

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The TV Personality Might Walk Away From Talk Show To Focus On Family

Kelly Clarkson Performs On The Today Show
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Juggling her children's needs and their father's health issues may be pushing her to consider easing up on her packed schedule, including stepping away from her namesake show.

The Blast shared that sources close to the star say she is feeling the weight of a "demanding" schedule and is looking to make space for her kids.

This is not the first time her future with the show has been questioned. Earlier in the year, she missed several episodes for personal reasons, and whispers of a possible exit started making the rounds.

Insiders say that after her divorce, Clarkson made it a priority to avoid burnout, and while daytime TV offered some structure, it is still proving to be a lot to juggle. However, her contract runs through next year, giving her time to think through her next move.

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The Singer Gears Up For Season 7 Despite Recent Absences And Exit Rumors

Kelly Clarkson at 2019 Billboard Music Awards
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Clarkson is moving ahead with plans for Season 7 of her talk show, even after missing several episodes earlier this year that sparked questions about her future with the series.

The author was off the air for 10 episodes in March and again in April, during which familiar faces like Andy Cohen, Simu Liu, and Kal Penn filled in. 

Still, Clarkson seems committed to the show's return. In June, she dropped a teaser on social media celebrating the end of Season 6 and hyping what would come next. The clip featured major guests like Cher, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Anna Kendrick, and more. 

"That's a wrap on Season 6. Comment your favorite moments and get ready for more fun in Season 7 coming this fall!" she wrote in the caption.

Kelly Clarkson Debuts Fierce New Look For 'The Voice' Amid Personal Turmoil

Kelly Clarkson Hints That 'Thyroid Problems' Were Behind Her Weight Gain
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Despite personal struggles behind the scenes, the pop star showed up looking sharp and ready in the new promo for Season 29 of the hit singing competition.

In a teaser clip, Clarkson spins her chair around, rocking a shorter, edgier hairstyle that is a big shift from her usual look, matching her energy with bold style.

The Blast highlighted Clarkson's revamped vibe in the promo, where she rocked a black-and-white outfit, red lipstick, and a wavy side-swept hairdo that screamed confidence.

Season 29 is set to hit screens next spring, and Clarkson is jumping in with full force, literally slamming the buzzer as her chair turned. She will be joining longtime coaches John Legend and Adam Levine. 

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Hopefully, a heart-to-heart and maybe a slice of pie with Dolly Parton will help Kelly Clarkson find her footing again.

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