Dolly Parton missed the opening of Dollywood’s new Nightflight Expedition ride after her doctor advised her not to travel from Nashville because she was dehydrated and experiencing dizziness. Her absence matters because the attraction is described as Dollywood’s biggest and most expensive addition, and Parton had previously expected to attend its delayed openings.

She appeared by video at the Pigeon Forge event, using butterfly-wing imagery to explain that her “wings” were tired. The article links this to a series of recent health problems: Parton postponed a planned Las Vegas residency in September 2025, citing procedures and health challenges, then cancelled it in May 2026 after discussing kidney stones and difficulties affecting her immune and digestive systems.