During a video address at the IAAPA Hall of Fame ceremony, Dolly Parton explained her absence due to ongoing health challenges. The East Tennessee icon, 79, could not attend the induction in Orlando on November 17, but expressed gratitude for the honor and shared that doctors advised taking it easy for a while.
“I sure wish I could be with you in person today, but you probably heard that I’ve been dealing with a few health challenges this fall, and my doctors told me to take it easy for just a little while,” Parton said. “I’m truly sorry I can’t be there, but I sure wanted to take the chance to say thank you for this incredible honor.”
Parton accepted the IAAPA recognition via video, praising the theme park world as “full of some of the most creative and kindhearted people that you’ll ever meet,” and thanking the IAAPA community for the honor.
“The theme park world is full of some of the most creative and kindhearted people that you’ll ever meet,” Parton said. “And I’m just so grateful that you consider me worthy of this recognition.”
The country legend has been open about her health challenges, following a public note from her sister Freida asking fans to pray for Dolly in October. Freida later clarified that the family did not intend to convey undue alarm.
Dollywood’s update for 2026 includes a preview of the NightFlight Expedition coaster, with fans eagerly awaiting more details on the project.