Dollywood has said it will reopen following the reported death of its co-founder, Dolly Parton, saying this reflected her wish for the park to remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness. The Tennessee attraction described continuing operations as a way to honour Parton’s legacy, invoking her belief that “the show must go on”.

Parton, a 10-time Grammy winner, became co-owner of the park in 1986 and helped turn it into a major local business and philanthropic platform. The park had been scheduled to close on 25 August, making 26 August its first day welcoming visitors after her death; president Eugene Naughton said staff would carry her legacy forward. The article says Parton had recently cancelled an appearance for the NightFlight Expedition ride because of health issues, after attending the park’s 40th anniversary celebrations in March 2025.