Dolly Parton welcomed the first riders of Dollywood’s newest coaster, just not in the way that she had hoped.
Dollywood celebrated the launch of NightFlight Expedition on Aug. 14 with a dedication ceremony in the park's Celebrity Theater. Parton – who has been dealing with health issues for nearly a year – originally had been scheduled to appear at the event but had to cancel the day before.
Instead, she shared her excitement for the new attraction via video and explained why she unfortunately had to miss the occasion.
Dollywood President Eugene Naughton led the kickoff festivities at the theme park, along with twin scientists Cora and Jasper Oakley who are central to the NightFlight Expedition experience.
The NightFlight kickoff event was a chance
for media, invited VIPs and season passholders who registered for the event 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.
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.
Parton made a surprise appearance in June 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!"
While monitoring her own health, Parton also is mourning the loss of her older brother Coy “Denver” Parton who 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 helps Dollywood’s new ride soar with a video message
