Singer Dasha will undergo surgery to remove vocal nodules on 22 October, after saying two and a half years of touring, talking, singing and little sleep caught up with her. She announced the procedure and hiatus in a Billboard interview published on 29 September.

'It's from the past two-and-a-half years of craziness that just hit me like a truck,' the 26-year-old said. 'You don't really get a lot of sleep. You talk, talk, talk and you party and you sing. It just caught up with me.'

Dasha, whose full name is Anna Dasha Novotny, rose to prominence with her 2023 single 'Austin'. The song went viral on TikTok and reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, while she has since toured with artists including Luke Bryan, Tucker Wetmore and Kane Brown.

Surgery and Silence

The procedure is scheduled for Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where fellow country singer Jordan Davis previously had the same surgery. Dasha said knowing Davis had the same doctor helps calm her nerves.

After surgery, Dasha will observe two weeks of complete vocal rest, meaning she will not be allowed to talk. Rehabilitation will follow. Dasha said the process involves retraining her brain on how to talk.

Dasha plans to attend the CMA Awards on 18 November, 27 days after her operation. The Country Music Association confirms the ceremony will be held that day in Nashville, although Dasha said she will not be able to party during her recovery.

What Vocal Nodules Mean

Vocal cord nodules are benign, callus-like growths that can develop after repeated or excessive voice use. Cleveland Clinic says they can cause hoarseness, vocal fatigue, throat discomfort and changes in voice quality or range.

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Nodules are commonly treated without surgery, including with voice therapy, vocal rest and changes to voice-use habits. Cleveland Clinic says they usually improve within two to six months, while surgery may be considered if they do not resolve.

A 2022 Cochrane review found no suitable randomised trials comparing surgery with non-surgical treatment for vocal cord nodules. Its authors concluded there was insufficient evidence to determine which approach works better.

Dasha's interview does not establish what treatment she tried before surgery. Voice therapy can also be used after surgery to help patients use their voices efficiently and reduce further vocal injury.

Album, Tour and a Break

Before the operation, Dasha is working under a 'time crunch' to complete her third studio album. The project is co-produced by her brother, Bardo Novotny, and Ben Johnson, and includes 'Memo', 'Mad About It' and '82 Chevy'.

The album is planned for release on Warner Records in the first quarter of 2027, followed by a worldwide tour. Dasha said she believes the project could become a 'tentpole' for her career.

She has two remaining concerts before the hiatus, including a hometown performance in San Luis Obispo, California, on 30 September. She will also perform at Music Fiesta at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on 10 October.

The official Balloon Fiesta schedule lists Dasha at 5:30 p.m., alongside Nathaniel Krantz and Russell Dickerson. She plans to use the break to travel to Europe and make the most of the silence required during recovery.

Dasha also plans to update fans through talk-to-text content during her silence. She described the operation as the reset she needs for the stamina and voice required in the year ahead. 'I owe that to my fans and owe it to myself,' she said.

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