Dolly Parton Skips Dollywood Ride Opening Amid Ongoing Health Problems: ‘My Nashville Doctor Has Kinda Clipped My Wings’

The grand unveiling of NightFlight Expedition at Dollywood on Friday went ahead without its legendary co-owner, as Dolly Parton was forced to stay behind in Nashville due to lingering health issues. The 78-year-old icon, known for hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” didn’t appear in person but instead addressed the crowd through a pre-recorded video message, which was played by Dollywood President Eugene Naughton during the ceremony. True to form, Parton opened with a playful nod to her absence: “Well, hey Eugene. I’m right here… Well, kind of. Sorta,” she joked, adding, “I’m still in Nashville, and I’m sorry about that. I was supposed to be there in person like I planned.”

The entertainer explained that she had been struggling with dizziness and dehydration in the days before the event, and her physician had issued a clear warning against any travel. With her characteristic wit, she recounted the doctor’s advice: “My Nashville doctor has kinda clipped my wings, saying, ‘You ain’t traveling this week.’ So I guess, if your doctor tells you, ‘you ain’t traveling this week,’ you ain’t traveling this week.” She laughed it off before reassuring fans, “You have fun, and I’m gonna see you down the road.” This setback is part of a broader pattern of health challenges for the star. In May, she had to cancel her Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace—a run already rescheduled for September—after postponing six December 2025 shows due to what she described as “health challenges.” Her keynote address at Dollywood’s 41st anniversary celebration in March, one of her first major public appearances after those cancellations, had raised hopes of a full comeback, making Friday’s absence all the more notable for those who attended.

Parton’s connection to Dollywood runs deep, far beyond ceremonial appearances. She acquired a stake in the park in 1986, and it was soon renamed in her honor, eventually growing into a sprawling entertainment complex under the Dollywood Company. The site now includes Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner theater, the Splash Country waterpark, and the Dream More Resort and Spa. Situated in the Knoxville metropolitan area, it has become Tennessee’s largest ticketed tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors annually. While her absence was a disappointment for fans hoping to see her in person, the ride’s launch proceeded smoothly, with Naughton capably managing the festivities. Health experts note that symptoms like dizziness and dehydration can be particularly serious for older adults, often requiring strict rest and monitoring—a factor that likely influenced the doctor’s cautious guidance. As Parton herself hinted, this is a temporary pause, not a farewell. She has promised to return “down the road,” and her loyal fanbase is sure to be waiting when she does.