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Her spirit lives on.
Dolly Parton’s eponymous Tennessee theme park will remain open in the days following the country icon’s death at 80, with Dollywood officials claiming it’s what she would’ve wanted.
“In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle — ‘the show must go on,’” the park posted on its Facebook page. “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.
They added, “Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.”
This decision to extend the attraction’s expiration date comes after Parton’s fans crashed the Dollywood website in the hour following her death, leaving desperate fans scrolling travel forums for updates on the park’s status.
“I was planning on visiting Wednesday of next week,” wrote one Redditor. “Do you anticipate the crowds will be insane now?”
Dollywood first opened 1986 after Parton invested in a small, railroad-themed family park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
With the “Jolene” singer at the helm, it subsequently blossomed into a Disneyland-esque mecca offering world-renowned thrill rides, as well as booths operated by traditional Appalachian cooks and artisans.
One of the current highlights is the newly revamped Dolly Parton Experience walkthrough museum, which showcases numerous artifacts, clothing, and video footage from Dolly Parton’s career and personal life, Entertainment Weekly reported.
In a statement, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton wrote that the “greatest privilege of my life” had been helping the “dreamer-in-chief” realize her dreams 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,” the boss wrote. “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 also encouraged fans to donate to her Imagination Library, which funded nationwide childhood literacy programs.
Parton had reportedly passed away Tuesday following a brief bout of cancer.
The music legend said in recent interviews that she had been “dealing with some health issues,” which forced her to scrap several appearances and performances.
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