Dolly Parton forced to pull out of Dollywood appearance due to health concerns

Dolly Parton has been forced to cancel a scheduled appearance at Dollywood on Wednesday after her doctor advised her not to travel due to kidney stones.

The 79-year-old country music legend instead appeared via a pre-recorded video, apologising for missing the opening of one of the park’s new attractions.

"I know. I’m here, you’re there and you’re wondering why that is. Well, I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone, which was causing me a lot of problems," Dolly said in the video shared on X.

She explained that an infection has prompted medical guidance to rest as she addressed her disappointed fans. "Turns out there was an infection and the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be travelling around this minute. You need a few days to get better. So he suggested I don’t go to Dollywood today. I want to make this clear, I was looking so forward to it."

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She went on to reassure her adoring fans as she wrote: "Don’t worry about me, I’m going to be okay. I just can’t do it today."

The cancellation and health woes come amid a year of profound personal loss for music legend Dolly. In March, she lost her beloved husband of 58 years, Carl Dean.

The pair had shared a life together since meeting outside a laundromat in Nashville in 1964, tying the knot two years later in Georgia.

Dolly described their life together as deeply meaningful: "Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."

Earlier this year, she also mourned her brother David, adding to the grief of losing three other siblings over time. Dolly has openly acknowledged how these personal tragedies have impacted her ability to work.

Speaking with Khloe Kardashian, she reflected on how grief has temporarily slowed her creative projects: "There’s a few things now.

"My husband passed away three months ago, so when you ask me if there’s stuff that I started and haven’t finished - several things I have wanted to start, but I can’t do it. I’m just coming up with such wonderful, beautiful ideas, but I think I won’t finish it."

Despite these setbacks, Dolly remains committed to her music and creative endeavors, even if progress has slowed. “There are times 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,” she said.

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