“Dolly Parton Forced to Miss Dollywood Celebration While Battling Painful Kidney Stone & Infection — Country Icon Shares Recovery Update”
Beloved country music legend Dolly Parton has revealed that a painful kidney stone and infection forced her to miss a highly anticipated event at her Dollywood theme park this week. The 79-year-old singer and businesswoman, who rarely cancels appearances, addressed fans in a heartfelt video message, apologizing for her absence but assuring everyone that she was there “in spirit.” The health update comes during a year of personal challenges and career milestones for the icon.
Why Dolly Missed the Event
The occasion was the grand announcement of Dollywood’s newest attraction, Night Flight Expedition, a nighttime adventure ride set to open in 2026. Normally, Dolly delights fans by making in-person appearances for such events, but this time she stayed home under doctor’s orders.
In her video message, Dolly explained:
- She recently developed a kidney stone that caused serious discomfort.
- The stone led to a secondary infection, requiring treatment and rest.
- Doctors advised her to avoid travel and strenuous activity until she fully recovers.
“I’m so sorry I can’t be there in person,” she told fans, adding that while she couldn’t attend physically, she was excited about the ride and grateful for the continued support of Dollywood guests.
Health & Recovery
Though kidney stones are relatively common, they can be excruciatingly painful, especially if complications like infections occur. Dolly reassured fans that she is recovering well and expects to be “back on her feet in no time.” The singer also hinted that while she may miss a few appearances in the short term, she remains focused on returning to her busy schedule.
A Challenging Year for Dolly
The news comes during an already difficult year for Parton. In March, she lost her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, a personal tragedy that deeply affected her. Despite the loss, Dolly has continued to work on multiple projects:
- A Broadway-bound musical about her life.
- Preparations for a Las Vegas residency in December 2025.
- Ongoing development and expansion of Dollywood, one of Tennessee’s biggest tourist attractions.
Her ability to juggle grief, health struggles, and creative projects has only strengthened her reputation as a resilient and hardworking entertainer.
Fans’ Support
Fans quickly flooded social media with messages of love and encouragement. Many praised Dolly for being transparent about her health and applauded her decision to prioritize recovery. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #GetWellDolly and #WeLoveYouDolly began trending shortly after the news broke.
What’s Next
Dollywood leaders assured fans that the park’s expansion — including the Night Flight Expedition ride — is moving forward as planned. As for Dolly, she will take time to recover under medical supervision before resuming public appearances. Her team has not announced any cancellations beyond the Dollywood event, leaving fans hopeful she’ll return to the stage soon.
