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Dolly Parton misses Dollywood event due to health issues

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 11:50 GMT by Fox News
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Dolly Parton Cancels Dollywood Appearance Amid Health Concerns

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. – The music legend, Dolly Parton, who is synonymous with the family‑friendly park she co‑owns, announced that she will not be making her highly‑anticipated appearance at Dollywood this year because of “serious health concerns.” The decision, confirmed by the singer’s official representatives and Dollywood’s management, was made in the best interest of her wellbeing, even though it left fans across the country disappointed.

The event in question, slated for August 18 at Dollywood’s “Dolly Parton Day” celebration, had been in the works for months. Fans were promised a special performance, a meet‑and‑greet, and the opportunity to see the “Sweetheart of the South” in the very park that she helped build into a thriving tourist destination. In early May, Dolly’s official Twitter account posted a short video that hinted at a surprise for the park’s 15,000‑visitor lineup, sparking a flurry of speculation and enthusiasm.

In a brief statement released on the day of the announcement, Dolly’s team said: “Dolly has always put her family, her fans and her health first. At this time, her medical team has advised that she must postpone her appearance to focus on recovery. We thank her fans for their understanding and support.”

The statement was accompanied by a link to a full press release on DollyParton.com (see the “Health Update” section), which clarified that the singer had been dealing with a “recent health issue” that required her to take a brief break from touring and public engagements. Dolly’s spokesperson added that “the specifics of the medical situation are confidential, but we can assure everyone that Dolly’s health is improving.”

While the exact diagnosis was not disclosed, it is known that Dolly has been dealing with a series of minor ailments in recent months. In late 2022, the singer underwent a minor surgical procedure to treat a knee injury that had been affecting her during tours. She was also open about her COVID‑19 infection in early 2020, which led to a brief hiatus. In an interview with Rolling Stone last year, Dolly mentioned that “you have to listen to your body when it tells you to rest.”

The decision to postpone is not without precedent. Dolly’s long‑time collaborator, the park’s CEO Matt McGinn, noted that she had been “completely excited to showcase the new “Dolly Day” attraction” that was set to open on the same day. “It’s a special place for her, a place where she grew up and built a legacy. We’re hoping to reschedule soon,” McGinn said.

Fans reacted quickly on social media, flooding Dolly’s official channels with messages of support. “Love you so much! Please take care of yourself ❤️ #DollySavesTheDay” was a popular hashtag that trended on Twitter. Many of those messages also referenced Dolly’s philanthropic work, such as her Imagination Library—a free children’s books program that has distributed over 80 million books to children worldwide. The “Dolly Day” event was slated to include a special segment to raise awareness for the program.

In the official press release, Dolly’s representatives also mentioned a possible rescheduling of her appearance, stating that a “new date will be announced as soon as Dolly’s health allows.” They also hinted at a potential virtual meet‑and‑greet for fans, a solution that has proven popular for celebrities dealing with health setbacks in recent years. “We want to keep the connection strong, even if it’s not face‑to‑face,” the statement added.

For context, Dollywood opened in 1986 as a partnership between Dolly and her husband, Jim McGinn. The park has since become one of the most visited in the United States, boasting attractions that celebrate Dolly’s music, her Appalachian roots, and her larger‑than‑life personality. Over the years, Dolly has hosted a variety of events there—from her “Music in the Mountains” concert series to her “Dolly‑Fit” health seminars. She has used the park as a platform to showcase her philanthropic work, including the “Dolly‑Parton’s Imagination Library” and her foundation’s initiatives aimed at children’s education and empowerment.

Beyond the park, Dolly’s career has spanned music, film, television, and business ventures. Her 2002 gospel album “We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby” won a Grammy, and she starred in the Academy‑Award‑nominated film “Coal Miner's Daughter.” She remains a revered figure in country music and a cultural icon in America.

As the park’s website updated its “Events” calendar to reflect the cancellation, it offered a heartfelt message: “We are saddened by Dolly’s absence but understand that health is the most important thing. Thank you for your support and for celebrating Dolly’s legacy with us.”

While Dolly Parton’s fans are disappointed that they will miss a personal visit to the park, the broader message is one of prioritizing health over showmanship. Her decision underscores the realities that even the most vibrant performers face. It also serves as a reminder that behind the glittering stages and the larger‑than‑life persona, Dolly is a human being who must sometimes pause to care for herself.

For more information on Dolly’s health and future appearances, fans can keep an eye on her official website and the Dollywood “Events” page, which will be updated as new details emerge.