Dolly Parton missed the biggest Dollywood event of the year Friday, skipping the debut of the park's new $60 million NightFlight Expedition ride after her doctor told her to stay home in Nashville.
The 80-year-old appeared by video instead, wearing a pair of oversized butterfly wings as she addressed the crowd gathered for the ride's preview. "I'm still in Nashville, and I'm sorry about that," Parton said. "I'm supposed to be there in person, like we planned." She explained that dizziness and dehydration prompted her doctor to step in. "My Nashville doctor kind of clipped my wings, saying, 'You ain't traveling this week,'" she said, adding that "all is going well on the medical end of things."
Dollywood spokesperson Wes Ramey confirmed Parton's absence in a statement, saying the park's "Dreamer-in-Chief" would still take part in the celebration virtually. NightFlight Expedition, billed as the largest single investment in Dollywood's 40-year history, opens to the public Aug. 19.
This is Parton's latest setback in an ongoing health journey that has included the postponement and eventual cancellation of her Las Vegas residency and a season of recovery following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, last year. Through it all, Parton has continued to credit her faith for carrying her, telling fans in a previous update that she still hasn't felt God calling her to slow down or retire.
Parton reassured guests at Friday's event that her recovery remains on track and thanked fans for their continued prayers and support.
Related Article: Dolly Parton Postpones Las Vegas Residency Due to Health Challenges But Says God Hasn't Told Her to Retire
