Dolly Parton remained the energetic, playful personality fans knew and loved during one of her final in-person public appearances.
The country music icon appeared at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee, on June 24, approximately two months before she passed away at age 80. People who attended the event exclusively told Page Six that Parton appeared upbeat and continued cracking jokes while addressing the crowd.
Nashville concert reviewer and content creator Stacy Best told the outlet that Parton “seemed very happy” and remained her usual “funny self” during the appearance. Best also recalled that the singer did not appear to be experiencing discomfort that day.
“She was in her typical gorgeous perfectly curated outfit and super high heels. Legend,” Best told Page Six.
Dolly Parton Surprised Fans at Tennessee Event
Miss Grand Tennessee 2026 Amanda Bell, who also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, told Page Six that Parton’s arrival came as a surprise because organizers had not announced her appearance beforehand.
Bell recalled that while Parton did not move particularly quickly, she still wore her signature high heels and displayed the spirited personality that defined her public appearances for decades. She described Parton as her trademark “happy, spunky self” and remembered her joking with the crowd during her brief remarks.
Another attendee, Brooks Ramsey of Smoky Mountain Faith, Food and Fun, similarly recalled that Parton “seemed fine” and maintained her familiar energy. Ramsey noted, however, that the star’s team appeared careful with her during the event amid health concerns she had experienced in recent years.
Parton welcomed attendees and explained that her years spent traveling made a travel stop a fitting business venture. She even playfully referenced rival Buc-ee’s while assuring the crowd she was not trying to compete with other businesses.
Dolly Parton Continued Connecting With Fans
Parton remained connected to her fans in the weeks following the June appearance.
She canceled an Aug. 14 appearance at Dollywood after experiencing health issues, explaining in a video message that she sometimes dealt with dizziness and dehydration and that her doctors advised her against traveling that week.
Days later, Parton appeared virtually at the ACM Honors on Aug. 19 to accept the Academy of Country Music Poet’s Award. During her message, the celebrated songwriter reflected on the role music played throughout her extraordinary career.
Parton described songwriting as a source of therapy, release and joy while reflecting on the dreams her music allowed her to achieve.
The June ribbon-cutting now offers another memorable glimpse of Parton doing what she did throughout her career: connecting with people through humor, warmth and an unmistakable sense of style. For those who attended the Tennessee celebration, the appearance also became a special memory of Parton enjoying the crowd, sharing laughs and celebrating another project tied to her beloved home state.
