Dolly Parton Cancels Dollywood Appearance Over Kidney Stones, Infection
Singer says doctors advised rest as Dollywood plans to unveil its largest attraction as part of a multiyear expansion
Dolly Parton canceled a scheduled Dollywood appearance this week after revealing she is recovering from a kidney stone and a related infection, the singer said in a pre-recorded video posted to X. The 79-year-old star was set to announce Dollywood’s latest attraction during a Thursday reveal in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, but did not attend the event in person. In the video, Parton described the health issue and said a doctor advised against travel while she recuperates.
Dollywood later confirmed the change in plans, noting that the upcoming attraction would be the park’s largest and possibly most expensive project to date. The announcement is part of the park’s broader expansion plan, a $500 million effort first unveiled in 2021. The park had billed Parton as a key figure in the reveal, referring to her as the “Dreamer-in-Chief.” The company also noted a “change in schedule” when explaining her absence. Earlier this year, Parton and Dollywood teased the project during the park’s season preview day, where she appeared alongside Dollywood Company president Eugene Naughton.
Parton has a history of kidney-related health issues. In 2015 she revealed she had three kidney stones removed and said she was doing fine afterward. Doctors have previously emphasized rest when kidney stones occur, and the latest message suggests Parton is prioritizing recovery as she navigates a demanding schedule tied to Dollywood’s expansion.
The singer’s husband, Carl Dean, died earlier this year at age 82, an event that Parton discussed publicly as she worked to manage her grief while continuing her professional commitments. In remarks to NBC News colleague Savannah Guthrie earlier this year, Parton spoke about missing Dean but staying engaged with fans and the work she loves.
Despite her absence from the live event, Parton appeared in the pre-recorded video looking comparatively well and reassured fans that she would return to Dollywood soon. She also reiterated that she was with fans in spirit and remained committed to the park’s milestone project, which officials have described as a major step in the park’s ongoing $500 million expansion plan.
The Dollywood project continues to move forward, with officials indicating that the new attraction will be a centerpiece of the expansion and could redefine the park’s footprint and guest experience. While Parton recovers, Dollywood’s leadership has stressed that the reveal will proceed with or without her presence, underscoring the organization’s broader strategy to invest in large-scale experiences that attract visitors for years to come.
In the broader health context, Parton’s communications have historically emphasized resilience and gratitude for fan support. The singer has a long-standing public profile that blends music, philanthropy, and entertainment, and her health updates are typically shared with a focus on transparency and reassurance for fans and collaborators alike.
As Parton recovers, fans and industry observers will continue to monitor the timeline for her return to Dollywood and any further updates on the attraction’s development. The park has indicated it will provide additional information as plans proceed and health considerations allow for further public appearances.