Dollywood will continue welcoming guests following the death of its beloved namesake, Dolly Parton, with the Tennessee theme park revealing that keeping the gates open was exactly what the country music legend wanted.
Parton died Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 80, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy stretching far beyond music and entertainment. Among the most tangible pieces of that legacy is Dollywood, the Pigeon Forge theme park that transformed both the tourism industry of East Tennessee and the community where Parton grew up.
Grist Mill At Dollywood – YouTube, Tyler
According to Variety, Dollywood was already scheduled to be closed Tuesday and will reopen as planned Wednesday, August 26.
In a statement following Parton’s passing, Dollywood made clear that the decision reflects the wishes of the woman whose personality has defined the resort for four decades.
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“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. “Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance and hope.”
Dollywood Says Dolly Wanted the Park Filled With Joy
Dollywood’s full statement provides an emotional glimpse at how Parton hoped her park would carry on after she was gone.
“With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton,” the park said. “Everyone at Dollywood shares the sorrow of countless people around the world touched by Dolly’s warmth, wisdom and generous spirit.”
Dolly Parton rings in the 40th anniversary of Dollywood in person – Photo Credit: That Park Place
But instead of envisioning Dollywood becoming a somber memorial to its founder, Parton apparently wanted something much more consistent with the life she lived.
According to the park, her “heartfelt wish” was for Dollywood to remain a place centered on “joy, hope and togetherness,” where families could remember her through laughter, music, and dreams rather than silence.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton said helping Parton turn that dream into reality had been “the greatest privilege” of his life.
“Dolly’s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds,” Naughton said. “She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply.”
Cinnamon Bread at DollyWood – YouTube, Mammoth Club
He added that while the Dollywood family is grieving, the company is committed to carrying Parton’s legacy forward.
“Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile shared and every dream kindled within these gates.”
From Silver Dollar City to Dollywood
The park that bears Parton’s name existed long before she became involved.
According to Dollywood’s official history of the resort, the property traces its roots back to Rebel Railroad, which opened in 1961. It subsequently operated under other names before becoming Silver Dollar City.
Everything changed when the Sevier County native partnered with the Herschend family in 1986.
Silver Dollar City officially reopened as Dollywood on May 3 of that year.
The Palace Theater in Dollywood at Christmas time – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
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Parton brought much more than a recognizable name to the business. She wanted the park to showcase the Great Smoky Mountains, the culture she grew up around, and the people of East Tennessee.
The results were immediate.
Dollywood says approximately 1.3 million people visited during its first year under the new name, representing an attendance increase of roughly 75% from Silver Dollar City’s final season in 1985. The property ultimately grew to roughly 150 acres and became Tennessee’s most-visited ticketed attraction.
Through it all, Parton and Herschend Family Enterprises remained partners.
The relationship reached another milestone in 2026 as Dollywood celebrated its 40th operating season. Parton was also inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame, with the organization crediting her passion for her Smoky Mountain home and continued investment in the park with helping turn Dollywood into one of America’s most beloved theme parks.
A Legacy Designed to Outlive Her
Perhaps there is no more appropriate tribute to Dolly Parton than Dollywood opening its gates again Wednesday morning.
Parton spent much of her life building things meant to continue helping people long after she was gone.
That extends beyond Dollywood itself.
Aunt Granny’s restaurant in Dollywood, so named because Dolly Parton’s nieces and nephews call her “Aunt Granny” – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
The park’s statement encouraged fans wishing to honor Parton to make donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the childhood literacy program she launched in Sevier County in 1995.
The program sends free books to children from birth through age five regardless of a family’s income. What began as a local program serving the community where Parton grew up eventually expanded internationally, distributing hundreds of millions of books and reaching children across multiple countries.
It ‘ difficult to imagine Dollywood without Dolly Parton.
Her music is there. Her childhood is there. Her personality is woven into the attractions, restaurants, shows, architecture, and even the philosophy behind the park.
But perhaps that is precisely why she wanted it to continue.
Dollywood at Christmas – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
Dollywood was never intended to be merely a monument to Dolly Parton. It was her attempt to share the place she loved with millions of other people while creating jobs and opportunities for the region that raised her.
Now, for the first time, Dollywood will have to carry that mission forward without its Dreamer-in-Chief.
And on Wednesday morning, in accordance with Dolly Parton’s own wishes, the music will play, the rides will run, families will walk through those gates, and the show will go on.
Will you be visiting Dollywood anytime soon? Sound off and let us know!
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