Dolly Parton Sits Out NightFlight Dedication Citing Health — SkimNews
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- Dolly Parton was unable to attend the opening of NightFlight Expedition at Dollywood on Friday due to ongoing "health issues," appearing via a pre-recorded video message.
- Parton said she was still in Nashville, feeling dizzy and dehydrated, with her doctor advising her, "you ain't traveling this week."
- Dollywood President Eugene Naughton shared the pre-recorded message during the dedication ceremony for the new ride, with Parton telling fans, "I'm gonna see you down the road."
- Parton canceled her Las Vegas residency in May — originally six shows at Caesars Palace slated for December 2025, postponed to September due to "health challenges."
- Parton gave the keynote address at Dollywood's 41st anniversary celebration in March, one of her first major appearances since the health scare.
- Dollywood — where Parton bought an interest in 1986 — is now the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee, operating the theme park, Dolly Parton's Stampede, Splash Country, and Dream More Resort and Spa.
Why it matters: Parton has now missed two major public events in 2025 due to health — Friday's Dollywood ride dedication and her May cancellation of a Las Vegas residency — with her Nashville doctor restricting this week's travel. Her March keynote at Dollywood's 41st anniversary shows she can still handle select appearances, but the ongoing health issues have already forced one tour reschedule and a pre-recorded dedication appearance at her own park.
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