Dolly Parton's absence prompts health concerns

Dolly Parton missed the opening of Dollywood's new $60 million roller coaster on Friday, August 14, after her doctor advised her to remain at home in Nashville.

The 80-year-old singer was due to attend the launch of NightFlight Expedition, Dollywood's biggest and most expensive ride addition, but appeared virtually instead after experiencing dizziness and dehydration.

In a video shared by the president of Dollywood, Parton appeared wearing large butterfly wings and explained why she could not attend the event in person.

"I've had my butterfly wings flappin' since May 15 when we were due to open the first time, and again in June," she said.

"But I know we had to make sure this is the safest, since it is the biggest and the most expensive ride we have ever added to Dollywood. So we're gonna open it today. That's why I'm here [in Nashville], because my little butterfly wings are getting kinda tired."

Parton also addressed her recent health issues, saying, "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."

"Now I'm dehydrated. And so, my Nashville doctor kind of clipped my wings saying, 'You ain't traveling this week. So I guess if your doctor tells you you ain't traveling this week, you ain't traveling this week."

She added that "all is going well on the medical end of thing" before wishing attendees a "fun day" and saying, "I'll see you down the road!"

The missed appearance follows Parton's cancellation of her Las Vegas residency. She previously said she was undergoing "meds and treatments" and responding well, while explaining that her immune and digestive systems had been affected over the previous several years.

Parton also described feeling "swimmy-headed" and said she hoped to recover and "be up to snuff again soon."

Dolly Parton has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists ever. Her music includes Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)-certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards. She has had 25 singles reach No. 1 on the Billboard country music charts, a record for a female artist (tied with Reba McEntire). She has 44 career Top 10 country albums, a record for any artist and she has 110 career-charted singles over the past 40 years. Her 49th solo studio album, Rockstar (2023), became her highest-charting Billboard 200 album, peaking at number three. Parton has composed over 3,000 songs, including "I Will Always Love You" (a two-time U.S. country chart-topper and an international hit for Whitney Houston), "Jolene", "Coat of Many Colors" and "9 to 5". As an actress, she has starred in the films 9 to 5 (1980) and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982), as well as Rhinestone (1984), Steel Magnolias (1989), Straight Talk (1992), and Joyful Noise (2012).