Dolly Parton canceled another appearance at a big event at the last minute. The beloved singer has had multiple health issues since her husband died in 2025. She blamed her doctor, saying they “clipped” her wings amid her ongoing health issues. Keep reading for more details on the situation.
Dolly Parton, 80, Skips Big Event, Says Doctors ‘Clipped’ Her Wings
Dolly Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away in March 2025 after years of declining health. Since his death, the “I Will Always Love You” singer has struggled with health issues of her own. She was forced to cancel a long-awaited Las Vegas residency amid poor health.
Her public appearances are few and far between since her husband’s death. She shocked fans by showing up to the grand opening of a travel stop bearing her name in Tennessee in June. She made her annual appearance at Dollywood’s 2026 opening in March.
But unfortunately, she skipped a huge event at the theme park on August 14. Dollywood gets millions of tourists every year. The theme park has something for everyone in the family. From a replica of Dolly Parton’s childhood home, exhibits about her career, and perhaps the most popular – over 50 rides.
Dollywood announced a thrilling new ride in September 2025. NightFlight Expedition is a hybrid roller coaster and whitewater river raft. It cost $60 million and finally opened after delays. But Dolly Parton wasn’t there to see it. She was forced to cancel at the last minute.
“I’ve had my butterfly wings flappin’ since May 15 when we were due to open the first time, and again in June,” she said in a video address that aired during the opening ceremony. Colorful butterfly wings flapped behind Dolly Parton. She revealed that she was still in Nashville.
“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,” she shared. “My Nashville doctor kind of clipped my wings saying, ‘You ain’t traveling this week.’ So I guess if your doctor tells you you ain’t traveling this week, you ain’t traveling this week.”
She wished everyone a “fun day” and promised, “I’ll see you down the road!”
What She’s Said About Health Issues
Dolly Parton was forced to cancel the appearance at Dollywood because she was dizzy and dehydrated. She previously cited kidney stones as the reason for canceling the Las Vegas residency.
“I wanted to keep you all in the loop like I said I would about everything going on with me,” she said in the August 14 video address.
UPDATE: Dolly Parton shared an update on health issues that led to her cancelling at appearance at Dollywood today.
“Sometimes I get a little dizzy and I get dehydrated,” Dolly said in a recorded video. “My doctor kind of clipped my wings and said ‘you ain’t traveling this… pic.twitter.com/hidhnym51W
— Marcus Leshock (@marcusleshock) August 14, 2026
According to Hello! magazine, Dolly Parton previously shared more about her health struggles. “My immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple of three years, and they’re working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those. And hopefully I’ll be up to snuff again soon.”
At 80, Dolly Parton’s health issues are worrisome. However, she’s a fighter and remains determined to get back to performing. Stay tuned for updates on her health struggles.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger