Dollywood Will Open The Day After Dolly Parton’s Death, Per Her Wishes
on • Updated
Dollywood will continue operating as usual following Dolly Parton’s death.
Country music legend Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday, August 25. And while the world mourns her loss, that doesn’t mean she would have wanted everything to stop in her honor.
One day after her death, Dollywood shared a statement announcing that the park would still open the next day, because that’s what Dolly wanted.
“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,” the statement began.
Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President, added,
“The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood. 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 park continued, mentioning Dolly’s “enduring legacy” that “extends beyond her music and generosity to her remarkable work ethic.”
“In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle — “the show must go on.”
“Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.”
The park also encouraged anyone who wanted to pay tribute to the “9 to 5” singer to donate to her Imagination Library, the book-gifting program she created to help promote children’s literacy.
On Wednesday morning, August 26, Eugene Naughton shared a video message on the park’s behalf.
Dolly Once Spoke About What She Wanted Dollywood’s Future To Look Like After She Was Gone
In 1986, Dolly opened Dollywood to give back to the small Smoky Mountain town where she grew up.
The park completely changed the community, bringing in more tourists, businesses, and hotels. Years later, it was voted “America’s Favorite Theme Park” and became one of the region’s largest employers, providing jobs for nearly 4,000 people.
After Dolly’s passing, many people may be wondering what the future of Dollywood will look like.
Last year, Dolly actually spoke about the topic and shared what she hopes for the park after she was gone.
“Even after I’m gone, we’ll still grow,” she told Knox News. We’ll still be going. As long as we grow with the public and keep our ears open and our eyes (open), we’re going to find out what they want and we will grow accordingly.”
A small, private service will be held for Dolly, with only immediate family in attendance. She will be laid to rest beside her husband, Carl, at the Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, Tennessee, according to her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver.
