Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park and resort owned by legendary country singer Dolly Parton, was closed Tuesday as previously scheduled. The company, in a statement after news of Parton’s death broke, said the park will be open Wednesday.
“In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle — ‘the show must go on,’” the company said in a statement. “Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance and hope.”
Those trying to buy tickets online to get into the park are currently out of luck: The Dollywood website became overloaded Tuesday after word spread of her death. “We are currently experiencing abnormally high volume,” a message on dollyparton.com says. “We appreciate your patience and hope to be back online shortly.”
In its statement, the company said, “With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton. Everyone at Dollywood shares the sorrow of countless people around the world touched by Dolly’s warmth, wisdom and generous spirit. Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness — a space where families and friends could honor her memory, not with silence, but with laughter, music and shared dreams.”
Parton bought an interest in the Silver Dollar City Tennessee theme park in 1986, after which it was renamed Dollywood. The Dollywood Company operates the theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which anchors the 150-acre destination, along with a dinner theater, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Dollywood’s Splash Country waterpark and the Dream More Resort and Spa. Located in the Knoxville metropolitan area, it is now the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee.
“The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood,” Eugene Naughton, president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, said in a statement. “Dolly’s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds. She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply. While we grieve her loss, we are honored and committed to carry her light forward. Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile shared and every dream kindled within these gates.”
The Dollywood Company said fans who wish to give in honor of Parton may consider making a gift to the organization “she was so deeply passionate about,” Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which is dedicated to giving out free books to kids.
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