Dolly Parton helped transform Pigeon Forge from a small mountain town into a global tourism destination, creating jobs, fueling local businesses and giving back to the East Tennessee community she called home, City Manager David Wear told FOX Business.

“Pigeon Forge and Dollywood kind of grew up together,” Wear said. “After that, it really just took off and made a huge economic impact in our area.”

The country music icon died in Nashville on Aug. 25 at age 80 following a “brief battle with cancer,” her team confirmed to Fox News Digital. Her death prompted global tributes and has deeply affected the community where the star’s influence is…

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