Dolly Parton Skips Theme Park Announcement Amid Health Concerns

Dolly Parton Misses Dollywood Event to Prioritize Health

Dolly Parton recently skipped a major event at her theme park, Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to focus on her health. The amusement park shared a pre-recorded message from the country legend explaining her absence during Wednesday’s scheduled visit, which was meant to celebrate the launch of the new Night Flight Expedition ride.

In the video, which was played during the event, Parton greeted fans with a warm “Hello, Dollywood! It’s me.” She explained that while she was physically not there, she was with the guests “in spirit.” “You’re wondering why that is? Well, I had a little problem,” she said, adding that she had been dealing with a kidney stone that caused significant discomfort and led to an infection. “The doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better.’”

Parton reassured fans that she would recover soon and promised to return as quickly as possible. “Don’t worry about me, I’m gonna be okay. Just can’t do it today.”

The new attraction, Night Flight Expedition, is set to open in 2026. Dollywood teased the ride on its Instagram account, describing it as “the first ride of its kind in the world” that will allow guests to “soar, plunge, climb and navigate” through the Smoky Mountains after dark.

Personal Struggles and Grief

Parton’s recent health issue comes just six months after the passing of her husband of 60 years, Carl Dean. In May, she shared with The Associated Press that Dean had been ill for a long time before his death. Despite her personal loss, Parton has continued to work on her career, preparing for a Las Vegas residency in December and working on new music.

However, she has put some of her songwriting on hold. During an appearance on Khloé Kardashian’s podcast, Khloé in Wonder Land, Parton opened up about how she has struggled to complete songs since Dean’s passing. “There are several things I have wanted to start, but I can’t do it,” she said when asked about writer’s block. “I will later. I’m just coming up with such wonderful beautiful ideas, but I think I won’t finish it. I can’t do it right now, because [I’ve] got so many other things.”

She added that she is still processing her grief and cannot afford to be emotionally overwhelmed. “There are times like that, things like that, that will stall you a little bit. But I’ll write something else though, if it comes.”

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, Parton remains optimistic about her future. Her dedication to her health and well-being shows her commitment to both her personal life and her professional endeavors. As Dollywood continues to grow and introduce new attractions, fans can expect to see Parton back in full force soon.

The park’s upcoming projects, including the Night Flight Expedition, highlight the ongoing evolution of Dollywood and its role as a premier entertainment destination. With Parton’s leadership and vision, the park is set to continue captivating visitors for years to come.