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Dolly Parton’s beloved theme park, Dollywood, will continue to remain open following the singer’s death on Tuesday.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the theme park — located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee — announced it would be open for business Wednesday, “as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle — ‘the show must go on.'”
Eugene Naughton, president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, said in a statement that the “greatest privilege” of his life was “helping Dolly bring her dreams to life 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,” he added.
“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.”
The theme park officially opened as Dollywood in May 1986 and is jointly owned by Herschend and Dolly Parton Productions, the country music singer’s entertainment company.
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In a statement, Dollywood said their 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,” they added.
“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.”
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The theme park asked fans to donate to an organization Parton “was so deeply passionate about” — her book gifting program, the Imagination Library.
The “Jolene” singer died on Tuesday after a secret battle with cancer. She was 80.
Parton will be laid to rest in “a small, private service for immediate family,” TMZ reported, and it is being planned in Nashville, Tennessee, “in the coming days.”
In a 2014 interview, the Grammy winner revealed she wanted the gospel hymn “If We Never Meet Again” to be sung at her funeral.
Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, died last March at the age of 82.
The longtime couple did not have any children together.
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