Dolly Parton rarely misses a professional engagement. But on September 17, she had to bow out of the announcement of a new ride at her theme park, Dollywood, due to a health issue. Per People, there was an announcement at the Tennessee park about the Night Flight Expedition ride. Bit the "Jolene" singer was not present. Parton, 79, did appear on a video to explain her absence.
Videos by Wide Open Country
In that video, she said, "Hello Dollywood! It's me. I know — and I'm here, and you're there. And you're wondering why that is? Well, I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone that was causing me a lot of problems, turned out it'd given me an infection, and the doctor said, 'You don't need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better.' So, he suggested I not go to Dollywood today, but I'm there with you in spirit. I was looking so forward to it."
A short mention on the Dollywood Instagram account piqued fans' curiosity about the new ride. "What happens in the Smoky Mountains after the sun goes down? Soar, plunge, climb and navigate the first ride of its kind in the world."
Parton Has Been Keeping a Hectic Schedule
Other than this time-out to feel better, the country music icon has been steadily occupied. Per the outlet, "A musical about her life opened in Nashville in January ahead of an expected move to Broadway next year, and she's gearing up for a Las Vegas residency in December."
But all of Parton's activities have not been work-related. Her beloved husband, Carl Dean, passed away in March. They had been married since 1966.
She Has Her Hands Full
According to People via Khloe Kardashian's podcast, Khloe in Wonder Land, Parton acknowledged, "[There are] several things I have wanted to start, but I can't do it. I will later. I'm just coming up with such wonderful beautiful ideas, but I think I won't finish it. I can't do it right now, because I got so many other things."
She continued, ""I can't afford the luxury of, you know, getting that emotional right now. There are times like that, things like that, that will stall you a little bit. But I'll write something else though, if it comes. I'm just putting that all on hold."
