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After a tumultuous year full of grief, health issues and a variety of crazy rumors Dolly Parton returned to her eponymous theme park Friday morning to tell a few jokes, set the record straight and let the world know that she’s got more she plans to accomplish.

“Be ready, because I ain’t done,” Parton told media and guests at the Celebrity Theater during opening day for the park’s 41st season.

The plan was for Dolly – joined by Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks and Resort President, to hype NightFlight Expedition, a first-of-its-kind roller coaster and more set to open later this year.

And she accomplished that mission but first Naughton invited her to tell the audience what she’d been up to after stepping away from her planned Las Vegas residency to recover and recuperate.

“Lord have mercy I’ve been up to a lot,” she said, referring to Naughton who escorted her onto stage. “I bet some of you thought he’s probably my new husband that you read about in the Enquirer or one of those rags … I know there’s a lot of rumors going around but I did not marry Sylvester Stallone. Did you see that one?”

Parton’s husband of 59 years, Carl Dean, died just over a year ago.

“I’m not dating anyone and I’m not married. I don’t think I’ll ever be married but once,” she said with a slight quiver in her voice. “I think Carl Dean is waiting for me on the other side. AND if I should show up at the Pearly Gates with somebody else, he would not like that. He’d be saying ‘Who is that little pisser? You leave him outside the Gates and if the Lord wants him in here, he’ll bring him.”

Carl Dean’s death and a series of health issues led to Parton taking a step back from some commitments and which led to rampant internet speculation on her health that quickly spiraled out of control.

”I have been not touring, as you know,” Parton explained to the crowd. “I’ve had a few little health issues and we’re taking good care of them. I just kind of got wore down and wore out, grievin’ over Carl and other little things going on I got myself to where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally and physically. But all is good, it didn’t slow me down.”

Parton stopped and laughed pointing to a stray hair that had stuck to her sleeve.

“See? I got a wild hair. I’m back to normal,” she said.

Then when she couldn’t pluck it, she added, “Get that Eugene!” to the park president.

Eugene laughed, grabbed the wild hair and dropped it to the floor.

“You want me to sell that on eBay?” he quipped.

Dollywood’s President and its Dreamer in Chief also promoted the upcoming season which will include the debut of the highly anticipated NightFlight Expedition, which adds to Dollywood’s already impressive portfolio by becoming the park’s 11th roller coaster.

With four thrilling experiences on one coaster, Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition takes guests soaring on a nighttime flight over the scenic Smokies, on a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion through more than 500,000 gallons of surging water, up and over a mountain ridge, and plunging into a mysterious shimmering lake.

“NightFlight Expedition is the ride that industry experts, media and influencers have all called the most anticipated attraction of 2026,” said Naughton. “This ride is going to be a gamechanger for the theme park world; but it isn’t the only gamechanger for Dollywood this season. I am so excited to participate in Dollywood’s Run Dollywood race alongside the other participants. I also can’t wait to watch families make even more memories together during our brand-new, after-hours events and other festival offerings. This truly will be the most exciting season at Dollywood yet.”

Season passholders and media members also were given a look at the season ahead, including a special video previewing the year and a performance by “Artrageous,” one of two new entertainment offerings during Dollywood’s I Will Always Love You Festival. This unique performance takes Dollywood guests on an interactive entertainment journey that reveals adventure around every corner by fusing mesmerizing music with multisensory, dynamic live art curated by the award-winning artists on stage in real time at electric speed. Also new for the season’s first festival is “Moto Motion: Freestyle Showdown.”

The action-packed show combines extreme riders, breakdancers and aerial daredevils in expertly choreographed productions.

“Can you believe that we have entered our fifth decade at the park? I mean, I thought it would be a good idea, but I never dreamed the Dollywood would be the No. 1 theme park in America,” she said.

A reporter from Fox Business asked Parton the secret to Dollywood’s success.

“Well, I pray a lot,” she said. “… I really think so much of it has to do with great management and how we treat people.”

The season at Dollywood has kicked off with the I Will Always Love You” Festival which takes place now through April 12.

The festival brings back guest favorites including “Sing-a-long with Dolly,” where guests can join in on some of Dolly’s most loved songs, as well as “From the Heart – The Life & Music of Dolly Parton,” which celebrates Dolly’s remarkable story and career. Along with award-winning entertainment, guests can enjoy a variety of festival-inspired culinary creations including a flavorful BBQ Chicken Melt, refreshing and tart Picadilly Lemonade, savory Mini Rope Sausage & Potatoes, and the berry sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake. I Will Always Love You Festival Tasting Passes are available and include multiple festival offerings for one price. The tasting pass, which can be purchased online or at culinary locations throughout the park, is $42.99 plus tax or $39.99 for gold and diamond season passholders.

“I think it’s great. I think everything is going to be wonderful,” Parton told Naughton. “I think you’re doing a great job.”