Hersheypark Faces Backlash for 'Tactless' Post After Dolly Parton's Death
Hersheypark is facing backlash after its official social media account appeared to reply to a fan's tribute to Dolly Parton and Dollywood with what looked like a competing ticket price promotion, just hours after news of the country icon's death broke.
The controversy began Tuesday, Aug. 25, when an X user, @lonzoswrld, shared a screenshot of Dollywood's ticket calendar showing prices around $99.99, writing that Parton "kept the prices reasonable in this economy." Hersheypark's official account replied underneath the post, "Our summer tickets are $49.99." The comment was later deleted, but not before drawing sharp criticism from users who saw it as tone-deaf given the timing.
How Fans Reacted
One X user directly asked Hersheypark, "Are you guys going to offer an official apology for this TACTLESS post or keep on ignoring it?" Another wrote, "This is such a big yikes… like I'm shocked."
Critics accused the Pennsylvania theme park of using Parton's death as an opportunity to promote itself, a reaction made sharper by how closely Dollywood, located in Parton's home region of East Tennessee, is tied to her personal legacy and decades of ownership.
Hersheypark's Explanation
After the backlash intensified, Hersheypark responded publicly, writing, "We certainly respect your concern. A reply clarifying our ticket price in another conversation was posted without seeing the context of the chain so we removed quickly to avoid any confusion or insensitivity over intent."
The park's explanation suggested the comment had been intended for a separate, unrelated conversation about ticket pricing and was mistakenly posted under the Dollywood tribute thread. PEOPLE reported reaching out to Hersheypark for further comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Dollywood's Own Response to Parton's Death
The incident unfolded as Dollywood itself was navigating an outpouring of grief following Parton's death at 80 from a brief battle with cancer. In a statement shared Tuesday, the park said, "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."
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton also addressed the loss emotionally, telling those gathered that the park would continue showing kindness and encouraging people to "love big" and "dream big," adding, through tears, "That's exactly what she'd want us to do. The show must go on." Dollywood confirmed it would remain open the day after Parton's death, honoring what her family described as her explicit wish that the park never close in mourning, instead choosing to reopen with what the park called her spirit still "alive and well."
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.