Dolly Parton Misses Planned Dollywood Appearance Due To Health Issues
Dolly Parton was scheduled to appear at Dollywood on September 17th to unveil a new attraction. But per her doctor's advice, she decided not to attend. (Photo Credits: George Rose / Getty Images & Michael Kovac / Getty Images for NARAS)
Dolly Parton’s Doctor Advised Her Not To Travel To Dollywood For An Appearance On September 17th
Country music superstar Dolly Parton was forced to cancel an appearance at her Dollywood theme park, citing her health as the reason.
Parton planned to visit Dollywood on September 17th to introduce a new ride coming to the park in 2026. Called NightFlight Expedition, WBIR out of Knoxville reports it will be “Dollywood’s most ambitious and expensive attraction to date.”
WBIR described the attraction as “a first-of-its-kind hybrid rollercoaster and whitewater rapids ride.” NightFlight Expedition will be housed indoors, since it tells a “nighttime story.”
Watch a teaser video showcasing the new ride below.
Unfortunately, due to health issues, Dolly Parton couldn’t attend the grand reveal event. She filmed a video to share with the crowd, and said:
“I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone that was causing me a lot of problem[s], [and it] turned out giving me an infection. And the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better.’ So he suggested I not go to Dollywood today.“
Parton added, “I’m there with you in spirit.” She spoke about how excited she is to see NightFlight Expedition and apologized for missing the presentation.
Watch Parton’s message about her health below.
Parton Helped Celebrate Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary Earlier This Year
Dolly Parton appeared at Dollywood a few months ago when the park opened for its 2025 season. This year, the park is celebrating its 40th anniversary, making the season extra special.
Parton’s March 14 appearance at Dollywood was her first public appearance since her husband, Carl Dean, died on March 3.
“I just want to take a minute to thank all of you for all of the flowers and cards and the well wishes for the loss of Carl,” Dolly said during a welcome event for park pass holders. “You know how I loved him. He would want me to be working today. I just wanted you to know, of course, that I will always love him. And I will always miss him.“
Parton also rode through the park during a celebratory parade. An adorable video of an eight-year-old boy freaking out after the singer smiled at him went viral, generating millions of views.
Parton reacted to the video later, saying, “It was the sweetest thing. I just wanted to get off that cart and run down and just squeeze him.” Watch the priceless moment below.
@rameyfamily.4 Please Watch! Our 8 year old seeing @Dolly Parton for the first time! #passholderday #dollywood #openingday #dollyparton #superfan@Toni Michelle ♬ original sound – Jordan April Ramey
