Dolly Parton skipped the opening ceremony of the NightFlight Expedition roller-coaster at Dollywood on Friday due to ongoing health issues [1].
The absence of the park's namesake and founder from a major attraction debut marks a rare public admission of health struggles for the music icon.
Parton, who is 80 [5], was unable to attend the event at the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park. Instead, she addressed the crowd and Dollywood President Eugene Naughton via a pre-recorded message.
“Well, hey Eugene. I’m right here… Well, kind of. Sorta,” Parton said [1].
The singer explained that her medical team advised against the trip. She noted that her Nashville doctor had “kinda clipped my wings” [2]. While the specific nature of her medical condition was not disclosed, she mentioned experiencing bouts of instability.
“Sometimes I get a little dizzy,” Parton said [3].
The 11-time Grammy winner [4] has long been the face of the destination near Nashville, frequently appearing at milestone events. The NightFlight Expedition is the latest addition to the park's portfolio of attractions.
Despite her physical absence, the ceremony proceeded with Naughton and park officials. The event celebrated the completion of the new coaster, which is expected to draw significant crowds to the Tennessee region this season.
““My Nashville doctor has kinda clipped my wings,””
The public nature of Parton's absence, coupled with her comments regarding dizziness and medical restrictions, suggests a shift in her ability to maintain a rigorous public schedule. As a primary driver of Dollywood's brand and tourism, her health status remains a point of interest for both the entertainment industry and the local economy of Pigeon Forge.
