Dolly Parton was forced to miss another major appearance after her doctors strictly ordered her not to travel due to her health.
The Queen of Country was unable to attend the opening ceremony of Dollywood’s NewFlight Expedition roller coaster in Tennessee on Friday, August 14. Instead, she addressed the attendees in a pre-recorded video and explained why she couldn’t be there in person.
“I’m still in Nashville, and I’m sorry about that,” Parton, 80, said during the appearance. “I’m supposed to be there in person, like we planned,” she continued. “Now I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I have had a few little health issues. And sometimes I get a little dizzy, and I get dehydrated.”
The Jolene hitmaker, who wore fairy wings in the video, said that since she was experiencing dehydration, her doctors in Nashville “clipped [her] wings,” so to speak.
“So I guess if your doctor tells you you ain’t traveling this week, you ain’t travelling this week,” she added with a laugh.
What is wrong with Dolly Parton?
Dolly Parton has faced several health-related issues over the past year. In September 2025, she revealed that she was dealing with kidney stones and an infection. At the time, she was supposed to travel to Tennessee to announce the now-unveiled Dollywood attraction, but doctors once again told her not to travel.
Parton has since missed several appearances, including her 80th birthday celebration in January.
She previously postponed her Las Vegas Residency from December 2025 to September 2026. But in May, she announced that she will have to cancel it altogether.
However, she assured fans she was responding well to treatment and improving. “I’m doing really well, and they assure me that everything I have is treatable, so I’m going with that, and I just want you to know I thank you for standing by me and that I will always love you.”
Parton’s recent health concerns have unfolded alongside major personal losses. Her husband, Carl Dean, died at 82 in March 2025, while her brother Coy “Denver” Parton died in July 2026.
