Hersheypark has issued an apology after a social media post was interpreted as a slight against Dollywood following the death of country music star Dolly Parton. The incident occurred after a fan praised Dollywood for its ticket prices in a post on X, sharing that entry cost $99.99. Hersheypark replied to the thread, stating its own summer tickets were priced at $49.99, which some users perceived as an attempt to capitalize on Parton's death and promote lower prices.
The Pennsylvania theme park stated its intention was to "clarify ticket prices." The controversial post was later removed. "We certainly respect your concern," Hersheypark responded to criticism on X. "A reply clarifying our ticket price in another conversation was posted without seeing the context of the chain so we removed quickly to avoid any confusion or insensitivity over intent. We absolutely apologize for the error."
Despite the explanation, many users expressed anger, calling the post "tactless" and "insensitive." One user questioned the relevance of Hersheypark's ticket prices to a conversation about Dollywood, while another stated, "Not the time, Hersheypark."
Hersheypark later elaborated, claiming the response was intended for a different user discussing older Hersheypark pricing. "This was the conversation we were referencing," the park stated, providing a screenshot of a post from 2012-2015 that mentioned ticket prices. "Again, never our intent for any disrespect."
Fans expressed further disappointment, with one season passholder noting it solidified their decision not to renew their pass due to perceived "money hungry" practices. In a statement, Hersheypark praised Parton's "generosity, talent and spirit." A representative explained that a social media team member "noticed inaccurate pricing information about Hersheypark within a post and intended to respond directly just to that individual to correct it, not realizing the reply would appear as a response to a conversation about Dollywood."
Dolly Parton died at age 80. Her passing was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who stated she had asked years prior for an announcement video to be made. He described her as a "farmer of songs and happiness" and said she would now be "in the arms of Jesus."
Parton co-founded Dollywood in 1986 with Herschend Family Enterprises, transforming what was then Silver Dollar City into the theme park that now draws nearly three million visitors annually. Hersheypark attracts approximately 3.3 million visitors each year.
A statement from Dollywood expressed sorrow over Parton's passing, emphasizing her wish for the park to remain "a place of joy, hope and togetherness." The park's president, Eugene Naughton, stated that they are committed to carrying Parton's legacy forward and that Dollywood would remain open as scheduled, honoring her spirit with the phrase, "the show must go on."