The first official ride on Dollywood’s newest attraction unfortunately will be without Dolly Parton sprinkling some of her special rhinestone glitter to commemorate the occasion.
Dollywood has confirmed Parton won't attend the Aug. 14 dedication ceremony for NightFlight Expedition. Parton originally had been scheduled to appear at Dollywood for the event.
"Unfortunately, our Dreamer-in-Chief is unable to join us for the festivities, but she will still take part in the excitement via video," Dollywood spokesperson Wes Ramey shared in an email on Aug. 13.
Ramey told Knox News Parton will address why she’s unable to attend as planned in her video message. Ramey also shut down "crazy internet rumors" that purported Parton was at Dollywood on Aug. 13
and that she would do a “surprise” parade through the park, neither of which was the case, he said.
The NightFlight kickoff event is still planned for Aug. 14, when media, invited VIPs and season passholders who registered for the event will get to be among the first to ride the innovative coaster. Season passholders are eligible for early previews Aug. 14-18, and the ride opens for all Dollywood guests on Aug. 19.
Can't wait to see the new ride? Follow Knox News' live coverage of NightFlight's opening on Aug. 14 at knoxnews.com.
How is Dolly Parton’s health?
Parton began reducing her travel and work schedule last year due to chronic health issues she was having treated. This year, however, she’s made it a point to attend major occasions related to Dollywood and her brand.
In June, Parton made surprise appearance at the opening of her Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville. She also personally welcomed guests to Dollywood in March to celebrate the opening of the theme park’s 41st season.
In May, Parton shared an update on her health via a video posted on her social media accounts. She revealed that her immune and digestive systems have been "out of whack" for several years and that she's long had problems with kidney stones.
“The good news is I'm responding really well to meds and treatments. And I'm improving every day,” Parton said in a video on her social media accounts.
“The bad news is it's going to take me a little while before I'm up to stage performance level because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy headed, as my grandma used to say,” she continued.
The beloved entertainer and philanthropist canceled her Las Vegas residency that had been scheduled for later this year, but assured fans that she's in good spirits and on the mend.
"I have great doctors and I'm doing really well, and they assure me that everything I have is treatable. So, I'm going with that. And I just want you to know I thank you for standing by me and that I will always love you!"
It should also be noted that Parton's older brother Coy “Denver” Parton died in July.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dolly Parton won’t be at Dollywood to celebrate the park’s newest ride
