Dolly Parton misses Dollywood opening due to health issues

Country music icon Dolly Parton missed the grand opening of the NightFlight Expedition at her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on August 14. Instead of attending in person, the 80-year-old singer appeared via a pre-recorded video message from her home in Nashville.

Parton explained that her doctor advised against the 200-mile trip due to ongoing health issues, specifically citing dizziness and dehydration. In her video, she joked that her doctor had ‘clipped my wings,’ appearing with digital butterfly wings. Despite the absence, she reassured fans that ‘all is going well on the medical end of things.’

The NightFlight Expedition is a major new attraction for Dollywood, described as an immersive indoor adventure coaster. Parton noted she remains busy with several professional projects, including the SongTeller Hotel, the Life of Many Colors Museum, and an upcoming Broadway musical titled ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical.’