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Dolly Parton was forced to miss a highly anticipated Dollywood event after suffering from a painful health issue. The 79-year-old country icon had been scheduled to appear at her Pigeon Forge, Tennessee theme park on Wednesday, September 17, to celebrate the unveiling of the new Night Flight Expedition ride. Instead, fans were greeted with a prerecorded video message.
"Hello Dollywood! It's me," Parton said in the clip, which appeared to be filmed from her living room. "I know — and I'm here, and you're there. And you're wondering why that is? Well, I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone that was causing me a lot of problems. Turned out it'd given me an infection."
Parton explained that her doctor advised against traveling. "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, but I am there with you in spirit and I was looking forward to it."
The singer reassured the crowd her condition was not serious. "I'll be back as quick as I can. Don't worry about me, I'm gonna be OK. Just can't do it today," she added.
While Parton could not be present, Dollywood executives teased the ride's debut, calling it one of the park's biggest and most ambitious projects yet. Expected to open in 2026, Night Flight Expedition is described as a first-of-its-kind attraction. "They say it's the most expensive thing we've ever done," Parton noted with a laugh in her video.
Parton's health setback comes just six months after the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who died on March 3 at the age of 82. Though navigating grief and health struggles, Parton reminded fans she remains committed to her music, Dollywood, and her audience. "I'm there with you in spirit," she said.
