Dolly Parton shares ‘health challenges’ after missing Dollywood event
Global News
The 79-year-old country icon shared a video on social media after missing the ceremony for her Dollywood theme park due to 'a few health challenges.'
Dolly Parton has shared a health update after missing the Hall of Fame ceremony for her theme park, Dollywood.
The 79-year-old country icon shared a video on social media Wednesday after missing the ceremony for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), which took place on Monday in Orlando, Fla.
“Well, hey there, it’s Dolly,” Parton began. “And 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 she was “truly sorry” she couldn’t be in attendance but she still wanted to take the chance to thank everyone for the “incredible honour,’ including Jack and Peter Herschend, her partners who co-own the Dollywood theme park.
“And to Jack and Peter, hey, thank you for being my partners and my friends for more than 40 years,” she said. “You’ve been a blessing to me, and I love you dearly. You know, our partnership is truly special. I trust them, and they trust me, and they always listen when I come in with one of my big ideas and dreams.”
Parton also credited the pair and the amazing team at Dollywood for finding “a way to make those dreams come true.”
“I still remember when I had the big idea for Dollywood. I dreamed of a place right here in the Smoky Mountains where my family could perform, and where we could provide steady work for the good people in our community — and where families could come and laugh, play, and have fun and to make memories together,” she said, before adding that she was “nervous” to open the theme park in 1986.
“I was about as nervous as a kid waiting to see if anybody was going to show up at a birthday party,” the Jolene singer said. “I peeked out the window of my bus, saw all those cars lined up, and would you believe it? They’re still lining up today.”
