Dolly Parton Says Sorry for Skipping Induction Ceremony as She Faces ‘Health Challenges’

Dolly Parton has shared an apology for missing an awards event this week, explaining that she has been working through some recent “health challenges”.

The country music legend was welcomed into the Hall of Fame for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) on Monday, honoring her involvement in launching the Dollywood Parks & Resorts alongside her partners at Herschend.

After the announcement, Dolly posted a video on her social media pages, expressing her gratitude for the recognition and detailing why she accepted the award from home instead of attending in person.

“Well hey there, it's Dolly,” she said as she opened her message. “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 then expressed her gratitude toward her longtime business collaborators, including Jack and Pete Herschend, acknowledging how much their support has meant to her.

“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 added. “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 helped establish the theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee back in 1986.

And as the Jolene singer prepares to mark Dollywood’s 40th anniversary, she reflected on how anxious she had been when the park first opened its gates.

“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 said.

Later in her remarks, Dolly highlighted that she is only the second woman in history to be individually inducted into IAAPA’s Hall of Fame.

“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 continued. “Remember that I will always love you and thank you again.”

Dolly has been more private in recent months as she manages her health and copes with the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, who died at 82 this past March.

The Hollywood icon also did not attend the 2025 Governors Awards on Sunday evening, where her 9 to 5 co-star Lily Tomlin accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in her place.