Dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon treasured by fans for her singing, songwriting, and acting, changed her schedule yet again because of unspecified health issues. Per People, she was unable to be present for "the Hall of Fame ceremony for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) on Monday, Nov. 17." Dolly Parton was being inducted because of her popular Tennessee-based theme park, Dollywood. Although she could not attend in person, she did post an explanatory message on Instagram.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The caption reads as follows. "Our Dreamer-in-Chief is legendary! @DollyParton was named one of the newest inductees to the @iaapahq Hall of Fame. This recognition celebrates our Dreamer-in-Chief's role in creating and influencing Dollywood Parks & Resorts through her partnership with Herschend."
Parton Conveyed Her Thanks and Appreciation
In the video, Parton, 79, is clad in a pale blue, long-sleeved outfit. She is seated in front of a darker blue background next to a small table with a vase of white blossoms on it. Per the outlet, she said, "Well hey there, it's Dolly. And I sure wish I could be with you in person today, but you probably heard that I've been dealing with a few health challenges this fall, and my doctors told me to take it easy for just a little while."
She went on, "And I'm truly sorry I can't be there, but I sure wanted to take the chance to say, thank you for this incredible honor. And to Jack and Peter, hey, thank you for being my partners and my friends for more than 40 years. You've been a blessing to me, and I love you dearly. You know, our partnership is truly special. I trust them, and they trust me, and they always listen when I come in with one of my big ideas and dreams."
She Spoke Thoughtfully of Dollywood's Beginnings
Her theme park marked its 40th anniversary in 2025. In the video, she explained, "I dreamed of a place right here in the Smoky Mountains where my family could perform and where we could provide steady work for the good people in our community and where families could come and laugh and play and have fun, and make memories together."
It was a success at the start and still is. "And I peeked out the window of my bus, saw all those cars lined up, and would you believe it? They're still lining up today."
She continued gratefully, "For me and for everyone who makes Dollywood what it is, and all my friends and partners, and to all of you out there helping families make magic every day in your own parks and places. Remember that I will always love you and thank you again."
Her Schedule Changed Before Because of Health Problems
Parton announced in September that she was dealing with kidney stones. She also delayed her planned Las Vegas residency by almost a year for health-related reasons.
