Dolly Parton, the "Jolene" singer, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the way she has made a living. After being unable to attend the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) on November 17—where she was inducted into their Hall of Fame for her theme park Dollywood—due to her recent health struggles, she shared a poignant apology.
"I sure wish I could be with you in person today," Dolly said in a thank-you video posted on Dollywood's Instagram on November 19. "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."
The Grammy winner, who was also unable to attend the 2025 Governors Awards in person on November 16 to accept the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, emphasized that she was "truly sorry" she couldn't be there but thanked IAAPA "for this incredible honor."
Dolly went on to share her gratitude for her partners at Dollywood who always listen when she comes in with "one of her big ideas and dreams." "And somehow," she gushed, "the amazing team at Dollywood finds a way to make those dreams come true."
The "9 to 5" singer also looked back at the beginnings of Dollywood, which originally opened as Rebel Railroad in 1963 and went through several iterations before she came on board and reopened the park as Dollywood in 1986. "I dreamed of a place right here in Smoky Mountain where my family could perform and we could provide steady work for the good people in our community," she explained. "Where families could come and laugh and play and have fun and make memories together."
The honor from IAAPA was especially poignant as Dolly noted that she was only the second woman ever inducted into the Hall of Fame on her own and only the fourth woman inducted overall. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this honor," she continued. "For me and for everyone who makes Dollywood what it is. And to all my friends and partners and to all of you out there helping families make magic everyday in your own parks and places, remember that I will always love you."
Despite her health issues, Dolly shut down rumors that she was incredibly ill. "I wanted to put everybody's mind at ease, those of you that seem to be real concerned," she began in an October Instagram post. "Which I appreciate—and I appreciate your prayers because I am a person of faith—I can always use the prayers for anything and everything."
The "I Will Always Love You" singer explained that after the death of her husband Carl Dean in March, she spent less time focusing on herself. "I want you to know that I'm OK, I've got some problems as I mentioned," she continued. "Back when my husband Carl was very sick, that was for a long time and then when he passed, I didn't take care of myself, so I let a lot of things go that I should've been taking care of."
Still, Dolly insisted she is very much ready to rock. "I ain't done working," she said. "So I love you for caring and keep praying for me."
