Dolly Parton skips Dollywood event after doctor advises against travel
The 80-year-old singer cancelled her in-person appearance at Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition opening, citing dehydration, dizziness and medical advice to remain in Nashville.
Country music legend Dolly Parton was unable to attend the opening of Dollywood’s new NightFlight Expedition roller coaster on Friday, after her physician instructed her to stay in Nashville because of ongoing health concerns. The singer addressed the crowd via a video link, apologising for her absence and explaining that she has been experiencing dizziness and dehydration.
"I’m still in Nashville, and I’m sorry about that," Parton said, adding that her doctor had told her she could not travel that week.
Parton, who is 80, said the medical advice forced her to join the celebration virtually, appearing on-screen wearing fairy wings. She noted that recent health issues have required her to scale back performance commitments, including the cancellation of a planned Las Vegas residency that had already been postponed from 2025 to 2026.
In a prior video update, Parton said she is responding well to medication and treatments, though some side effects leave her feeling “swimmy-headed.” She emphasized that her doctors consider her conditions treatable and expressed gratitude to fans for their support.