Country singing legend Dolly Parton missed attending Dollywood’s induction ceremony into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)’s Hall of Fame on Monday (17.11.25) because of her health.
Dolly Parton says she is still battling “health challenges” as she misses Dollywood induction ceremony into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)’s Hall of Fame.
After being told to “take it easy for just a little while” from her doctors, the legendary 79-year-old country singer was forced to virtually accept her Tennessee-based theme park’s honour on Monday (17.11.25).
In a video message shared on Instagram on Wednesday (19.11.25), Dolly – who recently insisted she is OK – said: “Well hey there, it’s Dolly, 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.”
The 9 to 5 hitmaker went on to say sorry for her absence before thanking her Dollywood business partners.
Dolly continued: “And I’m truly sorry I can’t be there, but I sure wanted to take the chance to say, thank you for this incredible honour.
“And to Jack and Peter, hey, thank you for being my partners and my friends for more than 40 years. 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.
“And somehow, the amazing team at Dollywood find a way to make those dreams come true.”
The chart-topping star remembered when she had the “big idea” to open Dollywood back in 1986.
Dolly recalled: “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 and play and have fun, and make memories together.”
The Jolene singer was “so nervous” when the theme park opened and felt like “a kid waiting to see if anybody was gonna show up at a birthday party”.
However, Dolly did not have to worry after all because a huge number of people showed up and fuelled their support for her.
She added: “And 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.”
And Dolly is “just so grateful” for being inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame.
She said: “Now, I’m sure that you know the theme park world is full of some of the most creative and kind-hearted people that you’ll ever meet.
“And I’m just so grateful that you consider me worthy of this recognition. Being inducted into the IAPPA Hall of Fame is a big, incredible way to celebrate Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season.”
The honour marks Dolly as being the second woman ever inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame on her own, and just the fourth in its 100-year history.
She added: “So, I suppose this makes the Hall of Fame induction even more special. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for this honour.
“For me and for everyone who makes Dollywood what it is, and to all my friends and partners, and to all of you out there helping families make magic every day in your own parks and places, remember that I will always love you and thank you again.”
Dolly recently explained that some of her “problems” were linked to the aftermath of losing Carl Dean, her husband, in March.
Dolly Parton missed Dollywood IAAPA Hall of Fame induction due to ‘health challenges’
