Dollywood is committed to continuing the vision of its founder, Dolly Parton, who died at age 80, vowing to keep the theme park a place of "joy, hope and togetherness." Parton's passing was announced on August 25 by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security.
In a statement, the park expressed its sorrow over the loss of Parton, whom they called "our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief." The statement further elaborated on Parton's wish for Dollywood: "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."
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton stated, "The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood." 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."
Naughton confirmed that Dollywood would open as scheduled on the day following the announcement, adhering to Parton's spirit that "the show must go on."
The dream of Dollywood began with Parton's desire, expressed in a 1982 interview with Barbara Walters, to build a "Smoky Mountain fairy land" in her home region. The park officially opened on May 3, 1986, as a partnership between Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment, transforming the former Silver Dollar City into the Dollywood visitors know today. The park quickly became a success, attracting 1.3 million patrons in its first year, double the attendance of its predecessor.
Dollywood has become a significant economic contributor to Pigeon Forge and Sevier County, Tennessee, serving as the largest employer in the area, with over 3,000 employees during peak season. In recent years, the park has received accolades, including being named the top amusement park in the United States by Tripadvisor in 2025 and ranking among TIME magazine’s top 500 privately held companies.
Despite its popularity and accolades, the park has faced various challenges. These include a temporary closure of the Dollywood Express ride in December 2025 for unscheduled maintenance, a delay in the opening of its new attraction, NightFlight Expedition, and controversy over a new system for dispensing fountain drinks that timed refills and tracked consumption. The park has also been involved in several lawsuits over the years, including claims of injuries on rides like the Waltzing Swinger and Mountain Scream waterslide, and a lawsuit concerning a fallen tree branch. In most instances, the park reached settlement agreements with the plaintiffs.
These incidents have at times led to guest disappointment and public criticism, particularly regarding operational disruptions and the implementation of new policies. However, Dollywood's administration has affirmed its dedication to honoring Parton's legacy and ensuring the park remains a vibrant destination for families.
Parton's illustrious career spanned six decades, marked by iconic hits like "Jolene" and "9 to 5." Her passing followed a period of health concerns that had led her to withdraw from public appearances.