Dolly Parton was forced to miss a major Dollywood event after her doctor told her she was not well enough to travel, with the country music legend revealing she has been dealing with dizziness and dehydration.
The 80-year-old star was due to attend the launch of Dollywood's highly anticipated NightFlight Expedition in person, but remained at home in Nashville after her doctor advised her not to travel.
In a video message to guests, Parton explained that her latest health setback had left her unable to make the journey.
'I've told you before, all my fans, that I've had a few little health issues, and sometimes I get a little dizzy, and I get dehydrated,' she said.
'And I'm dehydrated, and so my Nashville doctor kind of clipped my wings, saying, "You ain't travelling this week".'
The candid admission comes after the singer has faced several health-related setbacks and cancelled appearances, while continuing to work on a string of major projects.
Her absence was particularly striking because of her deep connection to Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park she co-owns and has helped build into one of the region's biggest attractions.
@wbir Dolly apologized for not attending the event in person like she'd planned, saying her doctor recommended not traveling at this time because of her health.
♬ original sound - WBIR Channel 10 - WBIR Channel 10
Doctor 'Clipped My Wings' Ahead of Major Dollywood Launch
Parton had been expected to help celebrate the arrival of NightFlight Expedition, one of Dollywood's most ambitious new attractions.
The ride takes guests on a virtual-reality-style journey through the Smoky Mountains, with the experience inspired by the region's landscape and wildlife.
But instead of greeting guests at the launch, Parton appeared remotely and used the opportunity to explain why she had been forced to stay in Nashville.
She also attempted to reassure fans about her condition.
'All is going well on the medical end of things,' she said.
Parton then joked about having to follow her doctor's instructions.
'So I guess if your doctor tells you you ain't travelling this week, you ain't travelling this week!'
The star's comments appear to have resonated with fans, with reactions online ranging from concern to blunt acknowledgement of her age.
On Reddit, one fan wrote: 'Not ready to let you go Ms. Parton.'
Another took a more matter-of-fact view, commenting: 'Well, she's getting up there.'
The comments reflect the unease among some fans as Parton, who has maintained an extraordinarily busy career for decades, is increasingly forced to acknowledge the limitations that come with age and her recent health problems.
Star Continues Working Despite Health Setbacks
The latest absence follows a difficult period for Parton, who has previously spoken about several health issues and stepped back from certain commitments.
She postponed and ultimately cancelled plans for a Las Vegas residency after undergoing medical treatment, while also previously discussing kidney stones and problems affecting her immune and digestive systems.
Despite those setbacks, Parton has repeatedly stressed that she is still working and remains involved in several major projects.
Her current ventures include the Songteller Hotel, a museum project in Nashville and a Broadway musical based on her life and music.
That determination has made the latest setback particularly poignant. Rather than disappearing from public life, Parton appears to be adjusting her schedule around medical advice while continuing to oversee projects close to her heart.
And even while unable to attend the Dollywood launch herself, she kept the focus firmly on the new attraction.
'I've been wanting to tell everybody about our great new ride, NightFlight Expedition, and you have fun, and I'll see you down the road,' she told fans.
For now, the country icon may have had her wings temporarily clipped–but her latest message suggests she has no intention of stopping work altogether.
