Dolly Parton has revealed she’s still struggling with “health challenges” as she was unable to attend the induction ceremony of Dollywood into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)’s Hall of Fame.
The iconic 79-year-old country singer had to accept her Tennessee-based theme park’s honor virtually on Monday, following her doctors’ advice to “take it easy for just a little while.”
In an Instagram video message shared on Wednesday, Dolly, who recently assured fans she is doing fine, said, “Well hey there, it’s Dolly, and 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.”
The 9 to 5 singer then apologized for her absence and expressed gratitude to her Dollywood business partners.
Dolly continued, “And 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.
“And to Jack and Peter, hey, thank you for being my partners and my friends for more than 40 years. You’ve been a blessing to me, and I love you dearly.
“You know, our partnership is truly special. I trust them, and they trust me, and they always listen when I come in with one of my big ideas and dreams. And somehow, the amazing team at Dollywood find a way to make those dreams come true.”
The chart-topping star reminisced about when she had the “big idea” to open Dollywood back in 1986.
Dolly said, “I dreamed of a place right here in the Smoky Mountains where my family could perform and where we could provide steady work for the good people in our community and where families could come and laugh and play and have fun, and make memories together.”
The Jolene singer admitted she was “so nervous” when the theme park opened, comparing it to “a kid waiting to see if anybody was gonna show up at a birthday party.”
However, Dolly’s fears were unfounded as a massive crowd turned out to support her. She continued, “And I peeked out the window of my bus, saw all those cars lined up, and would you believe it? They’re still lining up today.”
Dolly expressed her gratitude for being inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame.
She stated, “Now, I’m sure that you know the theme park world is full of some of the most creative and kind-hearted people that you’ll ever meet.
“And I’m just so grateful that you consider me worthy of this recognition. Being inducted into the IAPPA Hall of Fame is a big, incredible way to celebrate Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season.”
This accolade distinguishes Dolly as only the second woman to be inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame on her own and merely the fourth in its century-long history.
She concluded, “So, I suppose this makes the Hall of Fame induction even more special. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for this honor.
“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 every day in your own parks and places, remember that I will always love you and thank you again.”
Dolly recently revealed that some of her “problems” were related to the aftermath of losing Carl Dean, her husband, in March.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
