Dollywood is honoring Dolly Parton by ensuring that the beloved destination she helped create continues bringing joy to families following her death at age 80. The Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park released an emotional statement mourning the country music legend while revealing that it will remain open in accordance with her wishes. Rather than observe her passing with silence, Dollywood plans to celebrate Parton through the laughter, music, and shared experiences that became central to her vision for the park.
In a statement released on Tuesday, August 25, the Dollywood family remembered Parton for the compassion, creativity and generosity she displayed throughout her life. “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,” the statement read.
The park explained that Parton wanted Dollywood to remain a place where families and friends could come together, even after her death. Her wish was for visitors to honor her memory through music, laughter and the pursuit of their own dreams rather than through silence.
That request reflected the philosophy Parton brought to Dollywood throughout her decades of involvement with the destination. The park was not intended to serve solely as a monument to her career, but as a celebration of the people, traditions and culture of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Dollywood President Reflects On Helping Dolly Parton Fulfill Her Dreams
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton also reflected on the privilege of helping Parton transform her ideas into a lasting destination. “The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood,” Naughton said. “Dolly’s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds.”
He added, “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 statement emphasized that Dollywood will continue carrying Parton’s vision forward, even as the employees and leadership team mourn the loss of the woman who served as the heart of the destination.
Parton became involved with the existing Tennessee park in 1986, when it was renamed Dollywood. Over the following four decades, the attraction grew into a major theme park and resort destination while remaining deeply connected to its Appalachian roots.
The park also became an important source of employment and tourism for Parton’s native East Tennessee.
Dollywood Will Remain Open Following The Singer’s Death
Dollywood confirmed that the park will be open Wednesday, August 26, just one day after Parton’s death. According to the statement, remaining open was what the legendary singer wanted. The decision embodies one of Parton’s most familiar beliefs: “the show must go on.”
Park officials explained that continuing to welcome guests would honor her remarkable work ethic and preserve the sense of joy, hope and togetherness she wanted Dollywood to represent. The park plans to carry her message forward through the music, attractions, hospitality and family memories created inside its gates.
Dolly Parton Recently Missed A Major Appearance At The Park
Parton’s death came shortly after health problems prevented her from attending the opening of Dollywood’s newest attraction, NightFlight Expedition. As The Blast previously reported, Parton had been expected to travel from Nashville to Pigeon Forge for the August event. However, her doctors advised her not to make the trip after she experienced dizziness and dehydration.
Parton appeared virtually instead, addressing guests through a prerecorded video and making it clear that she did not want the attraction’s opening delayed because of her absence. The ride represented the largest single attraction investment in Dollywood’s history and was inspired by Parton’s love of the Smoky Mountains.
Although she could not attend in person, Parton remained involved with the park and continued working on several projects during the final weeks of her life. Her health had also led her to cancel her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency after initially postponing the performances in 2025.
Fans Can Honor Dolly Parton Through Her Imagination Library
Dollywood concluded its statement by directing those wishing to honor Parton toward one of the causes closest to her heart. The park encouraged fans to consider donating to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the literacy program she launched in 1995.
Inspired by her father’s inability to read or write, the organization provides free books to children from birth to age 5. What began as a program serving children in Parton’s home county eventually expanded internationally, distributing millions of books to young readers.
