Why Dollywood Is Staying Open After Dolly Parton's Death
Dollywood will remain open to guests this week following Dolly Parton's death, honoring what the park says was her explicit wish that the gates never close in mourning.
The theme park had already been closed Tuesday, Aug. 25, under its previously scheduled calendar, the same day news broke of Parton's death at 80. In a statement issued afterward, Dollywood confirmed the park would reopen Wednesday as planned, writing, "Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle, 'the show must go on.'"
What Dollywood Said in Its Tribute
The park's full statement reflected on both the loss and Parton's specific hopes for the destination she helped build. "With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton," the statement read. "Everyone at Dollywood shares the sorrow of countless people around the world touched by Dolly's warmth, wisdom and generous spirit." The statement continued, "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."
Eugene Naughton, president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, added his own tribute, saying, "The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood." He continued, "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."
Naughton said the company remains "honored and committed to carry her light forward," adding that her legacy would "continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile shared and every dream kindled" at the park.
A Park Built From a Lifelong Dream
Parton first bought an interest in what was then the Silver Dollar City Tennessee theme park in 1986, after which it was renamed Dollywood in her honor. Reflecting on that beginning during the park's 40th anniversary celebration in March 2025, Parton said, "On opening day in 1986, I was just hoping that people would really want to come visit a theme park with my name on it," adding, "even though I always try to dream big, I'll admit I was a little bit nervous that first morning."
She went on to say, "People did come out to support us that first day, and I'm so proud to see that Dollywood has continued to grow through the years."
Today, Dollywood anchors a 150-acre destination in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, that includes the theme park itself, the dinner theater Dolly Parton's Stampede, Dollywood's Splash Country waterpark and the DreamMore Resort and Spa. Located in the Knoxville metropolitan area, it remains Tennessee's largest ticketed tourist attraction, with more than 50 rides and attractions.
A Difficult Final Stretch
Parton's death came just 11 days after she was unable to attend the Aug. 14 dedication ceremony for Dollywood's newest attraction, the $50 million NightFlight Expedition indoor coaster, due to what she described at the time as ongoing health issues. In a video message shared with fans that day, she said her doctor had "kind of clipped my wings" and advised her not to travel.
The new ride itself has faced a separate, unrelated setback in recent days. In a social media post shared before news of Parton's death, Dollywood said NightFlight Expedition would remain closed through Sunday, Aug. 30, because "the manufacturer has asked for additional time to adjust the timing of the ride's turntable to ensure a quality experience for this unique part of the attraction." The closure is described as a mechanical and manufacturing issue unrelated to Parton's passing.
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