Dolly Parton has been forced to pull out of a major appearance at her Dollywood theme park after her doctor ordered her not to travel as she continues to experience health problems.

The 80-year-old country music star had been due to appear in person at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on Friday (14.08.26) for the opening of its new NightFlight Expedition attraction, but instead, Dolly addressed the crowd virtually from Nashville, explaining dizziness and dehydration had prevented her from making the journey and that her doctor had told her to remain at home.

Dolly said: "I'm still in Nashville, and I'm sorry about that.

"I'm supposed to be there in person, like we planned. 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."

Dolly, who appeared in the video wearing fairy wings, added: "So I guess if your doctor tells you you ain't traveling this week, you ain't traveling this week."

The absence follows a series of health setbacks for the Jolene singer, who has previously spoken publicly about undergoing treatment after suffering kidney stones and an infection.

Her health problems also resulted in the postponement and eventual cancellation of her planned Las Vegas residency.

Dolly announced in May the rescheduled Las Vegas shows would not go ahead because she needed more time to recover before returning to full-scale live performances.

She said at the time: "The good news is I'm responding really well to meds and treatments and I'm improving every day.

"I'm doing really well, and they assure me that everything I have is treatable, so I'm going with that, and I just want you to know I thank you for standing by me and that I will always love you."

Her latest missed appearance came less than two months after she attended the opening of Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee, in June.

Despite the disruption to her public appearances, Dolly continues to work on new projects. Her autobiographical stage production, DOLLY: A True Original Musical, is heading to Broadway this winter after its Nashville premiere.

The production will begin previews at the St. James Theatre in New York on December 7 before officially opening on January 19, 2027. Dolly has written the musical with Maria S. Schlatter, while Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher is directing.

The musical incorporates some of the songs most closely associated with Dolly's six-decade career, including Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, alongside new material written specifically for the production. Dolly is not due to appear as a member of the cast.

Dolly said when announcing its Broadway transfer: "My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera, really, and I can't wait to bring it to you on Broadway. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I've enjoyed livin' it!"

The singer has also continued her charitable work through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

To mark her 80th birthday this year, she released a new version of "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" featuring Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah and Reba McEntire, with David Foster on piano, to benefit pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Her health difficulties have come during a period of personal loss.

Dolly's husband Carl Dean died aged 82 in March 2025 after almost six decades of marriage. Her brother Coy "Denver" Parton also died in July.

Dolly's connection to Dollywood stretches back decades, with the Tennessee attraction carrying her name and celebrating the music and culture of the Smoky Mountains where she grew up.

NightFlight Expedition is the latest major addition to the park, combining a roller coaster with whitewater rafting and an indoor dark-ride experience.