Dollywood’s highly anticipated new ride, NightFlight Expedition, will take flight in August. But will Dolly Parton be there to make sure liftoff goes off without a hitch?
In addition to stopping by for the first day of each Dollywood season, Parton typically makes an appearance at her theme park
when a major new attraction or project is unveiled. This time, a special dedication ceremony for the ride is scheduled for Aug. 14.In recent months, Parton has cut back on public appearances while recuperating from some heath challenges. She’s also grieving the loss of her older brother Coy “Denver” Parton ,who died in July.
Here’s what guests invited to the NightFlight opening ceremony can expect.
Will Dolly Parton attend the opening of Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition?
Last year, Parton was unable to attend NightFlight’s naming
reveal, but she doesn’t intend to miss the next major event for Dollywood’s most expensive ride in the park’s history.
Dollywood’s Dreamer-in-Chief is scheduled to be at the park Aug. 14 for the ceremony, according to Dollywood.
“Dolly invites you to a Ride Dedication Event for Dollywood’s newest attraction, the first-of-its-kind NightFlight Expedition,” a Dollywood media advisory stated. “Media will be welcomed by Dolly during a kick-off event at DP’s Celebrity Theater.”
The event in Celebrity Theater is only for media and invited guests, but people enjoying Dollywood that day might have the opportunity to get a glimpse of Parton, too – and maybe even a wave. When she’s at Dollywood, Parton traditionally rides in an antique DeWitt carriage during a special parade through the park before the end of the day, if weather allows.
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The NightFlight event will follow Parton’s surprise appearance at the opening of her Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville back in June. Parton also personally welcomed guests to Dollywood in March to kick off the theme park’s 41st season.
If Parton has been unable to attend a major Dollywood event in person in the past, she has recorded a video message for the occasion instead.
How is Dolly Parton’s health?
Parton shared an update in May on her health after dealing with some health issues over the past year. She revealed that her immune systems and digestive systems have been "out of whack" for several years and that she's always had chronic problems with her 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 posted 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!"
When does NightFlight Expedition open?
Although NightFlight’s dedication ceremony is Aug. 14, that event is only for media and invited VIP guests.
The ride opens for all Dollywood guests on Aug. 19, according to Dollywood's social media accounts. Season passholders will be eligible for early preview days Aug. 15-18.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: NightFlight Expedition is a big deal, and that means a Dolly sighting is possible
