Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park and resort owned by legendary country singer Dolly Parton, was closed Tuesday as previously scheduled. The company, in a statement after news of Parton’s death broke, said the park will be open Wednesday.
“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 said in a statement. “Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance and hope.”
Those trying to buy tickets online to get into the park are currently out of luck: The Dollywood website became overloaded Tuesday after word spread of her death. “We are currently experiencing abnormally high volume,” a message on dollyparton.com says. “We appreciate your patience and hope to be back online shortly.”
In its statement, the company said, “With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton. Everyone at Dollywood shares the sorrow of countless people around the world touched by Dolly’s warmth, wisdom and generous spirit. 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.”
