Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park founded by the late country music icon Dolly Parton, reopens its gates today following the singer’s death.
The park had been shut on Tuesday as part of its regular schedule, but bosses confirmed it would welcome visitors again on Wednesday, in keeping with Ms Parton’s own wishes.
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“In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle ‘the show must go on,'” the company stated.
“Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance and hope.”
The Dollywood park described Ms Parton as their “beloved Dreamer-in-Chief,” adding that it had been her heartfelt desire for the park to remain a place of joy and togetherness, where her memory would be celebrated through “laughter, music and shared dreams.”
The announcement of Ms Parton’s death proved so immense that it brought the Dollywood website to a standstill on Tuesday.
The site was knocked offline for more than two hours as visitors flooded in, with a message on dollywood.com reading: “We are currently experiencing abnormally high volume. We appreciate your patience and hope to be back online shortly.”
Once restored, the company replaced its homepage with a photograph of Ms Parton alongside the words “I will always love you,” a reference to one of her most celebrated songs.
Eugene Naughton, president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, paid an emotional tribute to the singer, calling his work alongside her “the greatest privilege of my life.”
He said: “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.
“While we grieve her loss, we are honoured and committed to carry her light forward.”
Ms Parton had been battling ongoing health problems in recent weeks, which prevented her from appearing at the August 14 launch of NightFlight Expedition, a new indoor roller coaster representing a £40m-plus investment.
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She first acquired a stake in the site, then known as Silver Dollar City Tennessee, back in 1986.
The 150-acre destination in Pigeon Forge is now Tennessee’s largest ticketed tourist attraction.
Beyond her extraordinary musical career, Ms Parton’s philanthropic work touched millions of lives worldwide.
The singer’s Imagination Library programme, dedicated to distributing free books to children, was described by the Dollywood Company as the cause “she was so deeply passionate about.”
The company has encouraged fans wishing to pay tribute to the singer to consider donating to the Imagination Library in her memory, rather than sending flowers or other gifts.
Ms Parton’s empire in Pigeon Forge also includes dinner theatre known as Dolly Parton’s Stampede, the Splash Country waterpark and the Dream More Resort and Spa.
Fans of the country icon took to the comments section of Dollywood’s Instagram post to share their condolences and fond memories in the park.
One fan wrote: “I have been to Dollywood every summer since I was little. She was a staple in our home. Oh my Dolly. Rest easy with our Jesus!”
Another penned: “God bless you, Dolly. You will be missed; thanks for all your love and kindness.”
“Sending love and our prayers on the loss of an icon,” added a third.
Someone else said: “Very thankful for the space she created and the memories she allowed us to make.” (sic)
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