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 with an Aug. 14 dedication ceremony in the park’s Celebrity Theater. Parton – who has been dealing with health issues for nearly a year – had originally been scheduled to appear at the event, but her doctors recommended she cancel the trip.

Instead, she shared her excitement for the new attraction via video and explained why she had to miss the occasion.

Dollywood President Eugene Naughton led the kickoff festivities at the theme park, along with fictional 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 to be among the first to ride the innovative coaster. The ride opens for all Dollywood guests on Aug. 19.

How is Dolly Parton’s health?

Appearing in the video with colorful butterfly wings fluttering behind her, Parton explained why she couldn’t be at the NightFlight debut. “My little butterfly wings are getting tired. Now, I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I’ve had a few little health issues, and sometimes I get a little dizzy and I get dehydrated.

“Now, I’m dehydrated. And so my personal doctor has kind of clipped my wings saying, ‘You ain’t traveling this week.'”

She added that “all is going well on the medical end of things,” and said she was working on other projects.

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, but said she was responding well to treatment, just not soon enough to return to the stage yet.

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 is also 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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