Dolly Parton was absent from the dedication ceremony for NightFlight Expedition, a new attraction at Dollywood, on Friday. The theme park’s president, Eugene Naughton, presented a pre-recorded video message from Parton during the event. In the video, Parton explained her absence, noting she had remained in Nashville rather than traveling to the opening as originally planned. She cited dizziness and dehydration as reasons for her medical restrictions, adding that her physician had advised against any travel during the week.
Parton’s absence marks another instance of health-related cancellations affecting her schedule. In May, she canceled a Las Vegas residency performance that had been rescheduled for September. The residency, consisting of six shows at Caesars Palace, was initially planned for December 2025 before being postponed due to what Parton described as “health challenges.”
Parton’s recent public appearances have been limited since these health concerns emerged. She delivered a keynote address at Dollywood’s 41st anniversary celebration in March, representing one of her first major engagements during this period. Parton acquired an ownership stake in the Knoxville-area theme park in 1986, and the facility was subsequently renamed Dollywood. The entertainment company she operates oversees multiple properties including the theme park, Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner theater, Dollywood’s Splash Country waterpark, and the Dream More Resort and Spa, with Dollywood serving as Tennessee’s largest ticketed tourist attraction.
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