Overview
- On Friday, August 14, Parton did not attend the NightFlight Expedition dedication in Pigeon Forge and instead appeared in a prerecorded video saying she was dehydrated and had been told not to travel.
- She has said she is “responding really well to meds and treatments” but that some therapies make her feel “swimmy-headed,” a state that has kept her from returning to full-scale live performing.
- Parton canceled a rescheduled Las Vegas residency in May because of these health challenges and has missed other recent public events for medical reasons.
- Hundreds of fans at the Dollywood opening and many on social media expressed concern, even as park officials opened the major new coaster that mixes roller-coaster, dark-ride, and whitewater elements.
- Despite stepping back from appearances, Parton continues to oversee business and charity projects and to prepare a Broadway transfer of her autobiographical musical while she finishes treatment.