Dollywood Launches NightFlight Expedition Previews on Aug. 14 in Pigeon Forge

Q: What unexpected health issue kept Dolly Parton from debuting her theme park's most expensive attraction?

Dolly Parton said **dehydration, accompanied by dizziness**, kept her from appearing in person for the debut of Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition. In a prerecorded message for the Aug. 14 preview event, Parton said she was still in Nashville because her doctor had told her not to travel that week. She explained that she has had some ongoing health issues and that she “gets a little dizzy” and was “dehydrated,” prompting her doctor to effectively “clip” her wings. Reports tied the absence to her broader recent health struggles, but the immediate issue that caused her to miss the launch of Dollywood’s most expensive attraction was **dehydration and dizziness severe enough for her doctor to bar travel**.

3 articles · Updated · Knoxville News Sentinel · Aug 14

Dollywood opened preview rides of NightFlight Expedition on Aug. 14 to media and VIP guests in Pigeon Forge, marking the debut of the park’s newest attraction.
Inside the launch event, Dollywood Parks and Resorts President Eugene Naughton addressed guests, while Dolly Parton appeared in a prerecorded video tied to the ride’s opening.
The preview highlighted an immersive queue with multiple themed rooms, including bioluminescent displays, maps, notebooks and ride blueprints built around the Hidden Hollow Aviation storyline.
Dollywood also rolled out NightFlight Expedition merchandise and themed food and drinks, underscoring the attraction’s broader push as a new park draw.