Country music icon Dolly Parton has cancelled a planned appearance at her Dollywood theme park on Wednesday after being advised by her doctor not to travel due to kidney stones.
The 79-year-old shared the news through a pre-recorded video message, apologising for missing the opening of a new attraction at the Tennessee park.
Health Update
“I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone, which was causing me a lot of problems,” Dolly said in the message.
She added: “Turns out there was an infection and the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be travelling around this minute. You need a few days to get better.”
Reassuring fans, she concluded: “Don’t worry about me, I’m going to be okay. I just can’t do it today.”
A Challenging Year
The past year has been particularly difficult for the country star. Her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, passed away in March.
In announcing his death, Dolly said, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
A Love Story
The couple met in 1964 outside a launderette in Nashville, the same day Dolly moved to the city.
They married two years later in Georgia and remained devoted, though Carl largely stayed out of the public spotlight. Dolly occasionally shared glimpses of their life.
Family Losses
This cancellation comes just four months after she lost her brother David, adding to the three siblings she had previously lost. Dolly is one of 12 children.
Impact on Career
Since Dean’s death, Dolly has struggled to resume her work. Her 2024 appearances have been limited to select projects, including Sabrina Carpenter’s Please Please Please music video and Beyoncé’s reimagining of Jolene.
Grief and Creativity
In an interview with Khloe Kardashian, Dolly reflected on how grief has affected her creative output.
“There are several things I have wanted to start, but I can’t do it right now,” she said.
She explained that emotional and personal challenges have temporarily stalled her projects: “I’ve got so many other things and I can’t afford the luxury of getting emotional right now.”
Returning to Music
Despite these challenges, Dolly said she always finds ways to return to her music.
“There are times like that, things like that, that will stall you a little bit. But I’ll write something else, though, if it comes,” she added.
