Key Takeaways:
- Dolly Parton was recently inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Fame.
- She was unable to attend the ceremony in person due to what she described as “a few health challenges.”
- Parton addressed her absence in a video message, explaining that her doctors have advised her to rest.
- This follows other recent cancellations, including postponed Las Vegas shows and missing the Academy Governors Awards.
Country music legend and entrepreneur Dolly Parton recently missed her own induction into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ (IAAPA) Hall of Fame, citing ongoing health issues.
The 79-year-old icon, co-owner of the beloved Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, was honored by the organization but had to accept the award remotely. In a video shared by Dollywood’s official Instagram account, Parton explained her absence from the November 17 ceremony in Orlando.
Parton’s Message to Fans
“I sure wish I could be with you in person today, but you probably heard that I’ve been dealing with a few health challenges this fall, and my doctors told me to take it easy for just a little while,” Parton shared in the heartfelt video. “I’m truly sorry I can’t be there, but I sure wanted to take the chance to say thank you for this incredible honor.”
This is not the first high-profile event the “Jolene” singer has been forced to miss. Her announcement came just a day after she was absent from the 16th annual Academy Governors Awards, where she was awarded an honorary Oscar for her contributions to the arts and philanthropy.
A Pattern of Prioritizing Health
The recent string of cancellations began in September when Parton had to postpone a series of performances in Las Vegas. At the time, she did not specify the nature of her health concerns but joked that it was time for her “100,000-mile check-up.”
Concerns among fans grew after her sister, Freida Parton, asked for prayers on social media. Dolly quickly addressed the rumors in a video on October 8, reassuring everyone while on a break from shooting commercials. “I know lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am,” she said. “Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here!”
She explained that she was staying close to her Nashville home to undergo a “few treatments” for problems that had worsened while caring for her late husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March.
Despite these challenges, Parton remains optimistic and committed to her work. She assured fans there was “nothing major” wrong and that she wasn’t going anywhere. “I’m not ready to die yet,” she concluded in a previous video, “and I don’t think God is through with me and I ain’t done working. So I love you for caring and keep praying for me.”
Image Referance: https://www.today.com/health/news/dolly-parton-health-challenges-awards-rcna245017