Dollywood Cast Delivers Tearful Performance Following Dolly’s Death
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The cast of Dollywood’s Play On returned to the stage for an emotional performance following Dolly Parton’s passing.
Words are not enough to describe just how far-reaching Dolly Parton‘s impact was. From decades worth of music, to philanthropy, to creating thousands of jobs at Dollywood, the Songteller Hotel, and more, her loss continues to ripple through all whose lives she touched.
The “Jolene” singer passed away on August 25th, 2026, at the age of 80. Dolly’s cause of death was confirmed by her family to be a “brief battle with cancer.” They wrote:
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.”
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“Play On” Cast Fights Back Tears On Stage At Dollywood
Dolly Parton’s East Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, which opened in May 1986, features an array of live shows showcasing a variety of genres and talented performers. In 2025, Dollywood was voted the #1 Amusement Park in America by TripAdvisor.
The newest show, Play On, is a fast-paced original production which “offers a retrospective entertainment experience featuring songs and scenes from four decades of the park’s iconic, award-winning shows.” The 40-minute show debuted last year and will run through the end of August.
The cast of Play On returned to the stage after news of Dolly’s passing and delivered an emotional performance in her memory.
One by one, the performers turned to face the audience and sing their parts. The emotion was audible in their voices as they held back tears. Behind them, footage played from the day Dolly opened the theme park.
According to theme park content creator Jessica Gardner, there was “not a dry eye in the packed house.”
See the emotional on-stage moment at Dollywood below.
