Dolly Parton Misses Dollywood Ride Opening Amid Ongoing “Health Issues”: “See You Down The Road”
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Dolly Parton missed the opening of Dollywood's new NightFlight Expedition coaster on Friday after her doctor advised against travel due to ongoing health issues. The 11-time Grammy winner addressed park guests via a pre-recorded video, apologising for not attending in person as planned and explaining that she has been dealing with dizziness and dehydration in Nashville.
Parton told Dollywood President Eugene Naughton that her doctor had "clipped her wings" this week, but reassured fans she wanted to keep them informed, wishing guests well and saying "I'm gonna see you down the road." The appearance follows a string of health setbacks, including the postponement and eventual cancellation of her Las Vegas residency, and comes after the death of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, in March 2025.
- Dolly Parton skipped Dollywood's NightFlight Expedition ride opening on doctor's orders.
- She cited dizziness and dehydration, appearing via video instead.
- Follows her Vegas residency cancellation and husband Carl Dean's 2025 death.
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Dolly Parton is one of America's best-known country music stars and the owner of Dollywood, a theme park in Tennessee named after her. She has spent decades combining her music career with the park, which regularly draws crowds for new attractions, and Parton is known for making personal appearances at these events.
In recent months, Parton has faced a series of health difficulties. These led her to postpone and then cancel a planned residency of shows in Las Vegas, and they follow the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025 after nearly 60 years of marriage. Her health has been a recurring topic of public interest and concern as a result.
Dollywood President Eugene Naughton oversees the day-to-day running of the park and often works alongside Parton on public-facing matters. His involvement, and Parton's use of a recorded video message rather than an in-person appearance, are relevant to understanding how the park has been managing recent events involving its founder.