News

Dolly Parton apologises for missing induction ceremony amid 'health challenges'

Dolly Parton has apologised for skipping an awards ceremony this week due to recent "health challenges".

The country music icon was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) on Monday in recognition of her role in creating the Dollywood Parks & Resorts through her partnership with Herschend.

Following the news, Dolly posted a video on her social media accounts in which she thanked the organisation for the honour and explained why she decided to accept the prize remotely.

"Well hey there, it's Dolly," she 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."

Dolly went on to thank her business partners, including Jack and Pete Herschend, for their ongoing support.

"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," the 79-year-old continued. "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."

Dolly co-founded the theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in 1986.

And as the Jolene hitmaker gears up to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Dollywood, she recalled how she was "so nervous" on opening day.

"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," she remembered.

Elsewhere in her speech, Dolly noted that she is only the second woman ever inducted into the IAAPA's Hall of Fame on her own.

"For me and for everyone who makes Dollywood what it is, and all my friends and partners, and to all of you out there helping families make magic every day in your own parks and places," the Coat of Many Colors star added. "Remember that I will always love you and thank you again."

Dolly has stepped back from the spotlight in recent months while dealing with health issues and mourning the death of her husband, Carl Dean. Carl died at the age of 82 in March.

The Hollywood legend also skipped the 2025 Governors Awards on Sunday night, with her 9 to 5 co-star Lily Tomlin collecting the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award on her behalf.

Photo: Music-News
Source: Cover Media
Added automatically
5 views