Dollywood has issued a statement vowing to remain open after the death of its co-founder.
Dolly Parton, 80, died this week, her family confirmed. The Tennessee theme park she opened in 1986 addressed her passing in a lengthy Instagram post from a spokesperson on Wednesday. The park, which Parton co-owned, pledged to honor her wish that it stay open as a place of joy.
“With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton,” the spokesperson wrote on Instagram. “Everyone at Dollywood shares the sorrow of countless people around the world touched by Dolly’s warmth, wisdom and generous spirit.”
The statement emphasized Parton’s vision for the park’s future. “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,” it continued.
Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President, added his own tribute in the same post. “The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood,” he said.
The statement painted a portrait of Parton’s character and lasting influence. “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,” it read. “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 post also highlighted Parton’s work ethic as part of her legacy. “Dolly’s enduring legacy extends beyond her music and generosity to her remarkable work ethic – an inspiration to people everywhere,” the spokesperson wrote.
The park confirmed it would open Wednesday as Parton had wanted. “In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle – ‘the show must go on’,” the statement read. It closed with a pledge: “Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.”
Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a video statement. Seaver, who worked as her head of security for two years, spoke of the weight of the moment. “I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t really felt it until now,” he said.
He described his feelings as mixed. “It is an honor, an honor that is mixes with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” Seaver continued.
Seaver credited his aunt with transforming his family’s possibilities. “Dolly opened doors not just for me but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible,” he said. He extended that impact to her broader influence on the entertainment world. “Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life, and across every continent.”
He concluded by emphasizing her barrier-breaking example. “By her example we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history,” Seaver said. He finished with a blessing: “May god bless Dolly Parton, and may god bless you all. She will always love you.”
In the viral moment that preceded her death, Parton had canceled a Dollywood appearance amid ongoing health issues. She had shared a health update in what became her final interview, acknowledging she “didn’t pay attention” to her health while watching over her husband. The canceled event was a ride opening she had been expected to attend.
Dollywood will open Wednesday in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, as Parton requested.
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