Dolly Parton Cancels Dollywood Appearance Due to Health Issues

Dolly Parton was forced to cancel a planned in-person appearance at her Dollywood theme park on Friday, August 14, 2026, after her doctor advised her not to travel due to ongoing health issues. The 80-year-old country music legend instead made a virtual appearance from her home in Nashville, Tennessee, to address the crowd at the grand opening of the park's new NightFlight Expedition attraction in Pigeon Forge.

Parton explained that she was experiencing dizziness and dehydration, which prompted her physician's orders. "I'm still in Nashville, and I'm sorry about that. I'm supposed to be there in person, like we planned," she told attendees in a video message, wearing a pair of fairy wings. "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. And I'm dehydrated. And so my Nashville doctor clipped my wings, saying you ain't traveling this week."

The cancellation marks the latest in a series of public appearance setbacks for the singer over the past year. Parton has been open about her health challenges, which began in September 2025 when she canceled a Dollywood event due to a kidney stone and...