Music3 min(s) read
Dolly Parton's theme park has provided an update on what they're doing next, following the country music legend's tragic death.
Parton opened the attraction back in May 1986, intending to create a "Smoky Mountain fairy land" in her home region, as she explained in an interview with Barbara Walters four years prior.
Parton also hoped that the opportunity would bring jobs and money into the local economy.
The 'Jolene' singer's sad passing was announced on Tuesday (August 25), mere days after she'd admitted there were "so many things" that she wanted to achieve.
The 80-year-old had provided fans with a health update to People on Friday, admitting that she didn't pay much attention to her "issues" while caring for her husband, who died in March 2025.
Her publicist has since stated that Parton was in a "brief battle with cancer" prior to her death.
Parton's theme park, Dollywood, has since clarified what they plan to do going forward, following the Tennessee legend's death.
Now that their Dreamer-in-Chief is no longer with them, park staff are mourning her death, though they plan to remain open.
It is set to welcome guests scheduled to visit today, in line with the star's wishes, as park bosses said the artist wanted Dollywood to remain open to bring families together rather than close in mourning.
Parton's nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, said in a statement: “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 theme park then confirmed the decision, saying in a statement: “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.”
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton also released an emotional statement, reading: “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.
“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,” he added, confirming Dollywood would remain open today, 'as Dolly wanted.'
He spoke of the late artist's legacy and 'remarkable work ethic,' concluding: “In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle – ‘the show must go on.’"
The '9 to 5' singer asked that she be laid to rest in a “beautiful bed of plush cotton,” less than a week before she died.
Parton said in her last speech to fans, which was broadcast virtually at the ACM Awards last week, that "songwriting has been my therapy," and that it was "a gift from God that has allowed me to touch people with words and music."
TMZ reported that the 'Islands in the Stream' artist was hospitalized with "kidney and autoimmune issues” at Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center, days before she passed away.
