Dolly Parton will not be attending the scheduled media event at Dollywood on September 17, 2025, to announce a new 2026 attraction. The beloved singer, actress, and theme park mogul had been set to reveal the exciting new addition to the Pigeon Forge vacation destination, but park officials confirmed that her appearance would be canceled at the last minute.
The official Dollywood Instagram account shared the news with followers on September 16, 2025, stating that Parton’s absence was due to a change in her schedule. The announcement, however, reassured visitors that the media event would still proceed as planned–without Dolly.
“UPDATE: 2026 RIDE ANNOUNCEMENT,” the post read. “Due to a change in schedule, Dolly, our Dreamer-in-Chief, will not be in attendance tomorrow (9/17) for the announcement of our 2026 attraction. The media event will still begin tomorrow at 11 a.m.”
Parton has been a key figure in the success and expansion of Dollywood since she first became involved with the park in 1986. Over the years, she has played an instrumental role in its growth, helping to transform the once small Rebel Railroad/Silver Dollar City into the vibrant and beloved Dollywood resort that it is today. The Pigeon Forge vacation destination is now home to a water park, two resort hotels, and a variety of seasonal events, including the Smoky Mountain Christmas and the Harvest Festival.
2025 has been a particularly challenging year for the country music icon. In March, Parton announced the passing of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, with whom she had been married for nearly 60 years. The famously private couple lived together in Nashville, Tennessee.
Despite Parton’s absence, Dollywood will unveil the 2026 attraction on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. The Great Smoky Mountain theme park has not shared more information about the reason for the sudden absence of its Dreamer-in-Chief.
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