Dolly Parton was scheduled to attend the announcement of Dollywood’s newest attraction, but had to cancel.
The singer recorded a message to explain that she is suffering an infection from a kidney stone, and doctors advised her not to travel.
Then the 79-year-old legend said, “I’ll be back as quick as I can. Don’t worry about me, I’m going to be OK. Just can’t do it today.”
Hopefully, she will be better soon! Because the world needs more people like her, not less.
To read about the new ride that is coming to Dollywood next year, then
As the world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride, NightFlight Expedition takes Dollywoodd guests on an unforgettable journey through the Smoky Mountains to search for bioluminescence in the nation’s most-visited national park. During the 5 1/2-minute experience, guests soar on a nighttime flight over the scenic Smokies, enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion through more than 500,000 gallons of surging water, traverse a mountain ridge on a roller coaster, and navigate a mysterious shimmering lake by boat.
“I’m just so proud that Dollywood has grown so much in its first 40 years that we’re able to add a ride like NightFlight Expedition,” Dolly said about the attraction. “I have no doubt it’s going to be a huge part of Dollywood’s next 40 years. We’re always trying to take the natural beauty of the Smokies and make it part of everything we’re doing in the park, and they’ve definitely been able to do it with this ride.
“A lot of people ask me about my favorite season in the Smokies, but no one ever asks me what my favorite time of day is. Our new ride sends you out into the mountains at night, which is the time that I think they really come to life! Obviously, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for the synchronous lightning bugs, but I also love to just sit and listen to the owls calling or the frogs croaking, and I love to see the stars sparkling like rhinestones up in the big old sky. It’s pure mountain magic.”
