All articles tagged with #dollywood
Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer, actress, and philanthropist, has died at 80, announced by her nephew. She had recent health issues and canceled a Las Vegas show before her passing, leaving a lasting legacy through Dollywood, the Imagination Library, and decades of influence in music and philanthropy.
Global icon Dolly Parton died in Nashville at age 80 after a seven-decade career defined by hit songs, philanthropy (Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library), and a vast entertainment empire (Dollywood). A private service is planned for immediate family. Her husband Carl Dean preceded her in death last spring, and President Trump ordered flags lowered for a week in her honor. Parton’s legacy includes landmark awards, a forthcoming Broadway musical about her life, and ongoing charitable work; she had recently received global certifications and was set to be honored with the Americana Lifetime Achievement Award next month at the 2026 Americana Honors & Awards. Her final public appearance was June 24 at her Tennessean Travel Stop.
Dolly Parton says she’s been dealing with health issues she hadn’t paid attention to while caring for her husband Carl, who died in March 2025; she hasn’t disclosed specifics, but says her doctors are monitoring her health as she stays active with projects including a new Dollywood ride and a Nashville museum, along with a Broadway show about her life.
Dolly Parton says she’s still healing from health issues but remains active, revealing plans for avatar-performing experiences and a major Nashville museum as part of her ongoing Dollywood projects; she also accepted the Poet’s Award virtually at the ACM Awards and has been engaging with fans about new experiences.
Dolly Parton could not travel to Dollywood for the NightFlight Expedition because her doctor advised staying in Nashville due to ongoing health issues, including dehydration and dizziness; she joined the celebration virtually and has previously canceled her Las Vegas residency, with doctors saying her condition is treatable and improving.
Dolly Parton will not attend Dollywood's NightFlight Expedition opening, but she will share a video greeting as the park unveils the indoor rollercoaster–white-water hybrid, opening to the public on August 19. The 5.5-minute ride features a four‑section journey—including soaring over the Great Smoky Mountains, white-water rafting, mountain ridge climbing, and a shimmering lake boat finale—inside a 44,000-square-foot facility, reaching up to 29 mph after previous launch delays.
Dolly Parton canceled an in-person appearance at Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition opening after a Nashville doctor advised against travel due to ongoing health issues, leading her to participate virtually from Nashville. She cited dizziness and dehydration, part of a health saga that includes kidney stones last year and a postponed Las Vegas residency. Parton says she’s improving with treatment and continues work on Dolly: A True Original Musical, while also grieving the losses of her husband and brother.
Built in 1920 and comprising three separate homes, Dolly Parton’s former Solvang weekend retreat — featuring a wig room and a Dollywood-inspired birdhouse — is for sale at $1.95 million, with the current owner hoping a devoted mega-fan buys the property after Parton used it as a private getaway for about a decade.
Dolly Parton revealed ongoing health issues, including immune and digestive problems and kidney stones, which led her to cancel Las Vegas concerts and postpone dates. In a May 2026 video, she said she’s responding to medications and treatments but still has healing to do, while continuing work from home on projects like her Broadway musical Dolly: A True Original Musical and Dollywood; she also reflected on the loss of husband Carl Dean in 2025 and thanked fans for their support, signaling a return to performing when she’s able.
Dolly Parton returned to the public eye at Dollywood’s 2026 season kickoff, explaining she had health issues and has been grieving the death of her husband Carl Dean, but is rebuilding herself spiritually, emotionally, and physically. She’s been busy writing for a Broadway show and new music, and says she’s not done yet, with plans for more projects this year after postponing her Las Vegas residency due to health challenges.
Dolly Parton revealed she faced health issues and the death of her husband Carl Dean, which left her worn down, but she’s now beginning to recover and rebuild herself spiritually, emotionally, and physically, insisting she’s not done working and isn’t ready to die.
Dolly Parton surprised fans on Dollywood’s 41st-season opening day in Pigeon Forge on March 13, 2026, singing and greeting guests during the DeWitt Tour alongside Dollywood president Eugene Naughton, as crowds cheered, took photos, and enjoyed park attractions.
Dolly Parton, 80, says grief over husband Carl Dean’s death and health setbacks have left her worn down, delaying the Las Vegas residency to September 2026 and keeping her from touring, though she remains upbeat and has not started dating.
Dolly Parton made her first public appearance of 2026 at Dollywood’s season kickoff, saying she postponed her Las Vegas residency for health reasons and has been rebuilding spiritually, emotionally and physically. She spoke about her late husband Carl Dean, joked she’s “back to normal,” and noted she’s rewriting songs for an upcoming Broadway musical as she moves forward.
Dollywood celebrates its 40th anniversary with a new exclusive Coca-Cola Freestyle flavor called 40th Pop Fizz, a sweet, brightly-colored soda that has quickly become popular among park visitors, available for a limited time across the park.