3 weeks ago
Dolly Parton Misses Dollywood Ride Opening Amid Health Issues
Dolly Parton is a famous singer who has her own theme park called Dollywood.
The park just opened a brand-new roller coaster called NightFlight Expedition.
Dolly wanted to be there in person, but her doctor said she had to stay home this week.
She was feeling a little unwell — she said she was dehydrated and sometimes gets dizzy.
So she sent a video message instead and talked to everyone through a screen.
She told the park president that her doctor "clipped my wings," which was her way of saying no traveling.
Dolly said the new ride was great and told everyone to have fun.
She also promised to see her fans "down the road."
Lately she has had some health problems, which also made her cancel her Las Vegas shows.
This all happened after her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away in March 2025.
Dolly Parton missed the opening of Dollywood's new coaster, NightFlight Expedition, because her doctor advised her not to travel.
In a pre-recorded video, she told guests she was in Nashville, dehydrated, and sometimes gets dizzy.
She told Dollywood President Eugene Naughton that her doctor "clipped my wings" and said, "You ain't traveling this week."
Parton praised the "great new ride" and told fans, "You have fun, and I'm gonna see you down the road."
Her absence follows postponing her Las Vegas residency last September and canceling it in May amid health challenges, after her husband Carl Dean's death on March 3, 2025.
- Who
- Dolly Parton, the 11-time Grammy winner, and Dollywood President Eugene Naughton.
- What
- Parton missed the opening of Dollywood's new NightFlight Expedition roller coaster, greeting guests via a pre-recorded video during the dedication ceremony.
- Where
- Dollywood theme park in Tennessee; Parton joined virtually from Nashville.
- When
- Friday, at the ride's dedication ceremony.
- Why
- Her doctor advised against traveling this week because she was dehydrated and experiences occasional dizziness.
Key facts
- Park
- Dollywood
- New attraction
- NightFlight Expedition roller coaster
- Reason for absence
- Dehydration and dizziness; doctor's travel restriction
- Parton's location
- Nashville
- Dollywood president
- Eugene Naughton
- Grammy wins
- 11
- Las Vegas residency
- Postponed last September, canceled in May due to health challenges
- Husband
- Carl Dean, died March 3, 2025
Quotes
Dolly Parton
Country music singer and performer
“I’m still in Nashville, and I’m sorry about that. I was supposed to be there in person like I planned.”
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“The doctor insisted that I should stay at home, saying that I shouldn’t be traveling this week.”
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