Dolly Parton fans overwhelm Dollywood theme park website in the wake of her death
Updated . First published at
Dollywood opened as usual on Wednesday, despite the death of its founder and “beloved Dreamer-in-Chief” Dolly Parton.
The Country Music Queen died at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer but had requested before her death that the theme park not close.
The Country Music Queen died at the age of 80, following a brief battle with cancer but had requested before her passing that the theme park not close. AP Photo
The company informed fans that the park would continue to operate business as usual for the week, sending the website into meltdown as fans clamoured to get a ticket to go and pay their respects.
“We are currently experiencing abnormally high volume,” a message on the site informed visitors.
“We appreciate your patience and hope to be back online shortly.”
Soon after, a message revealed ticketing was “currently unavailable” with issues lasting about two hours.
The company informed fans that the park would continue to operate business as usual for the week, sending the website into meltdown. Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images
Fans and former staff, including former Dollywood chef James A. Gambrell (pictured), placed flowers in tribute at the Dolly Parton statue in downtown Sevierville, Tennessee. AP Photo/Dylan Lovan
The issue seemed to have been resolved with tickets eventually available to purchase. Select days - August 27, September 1 and 3 - were unavailable for pre-scheduled seasonal closures unrelated to Parton’s death.
Dollywood - located in Pigeon Forge in the Smokey Mountain region of East Tennessee, right near where Parton grew up in Sevierville - employs a number of locals, including members of Parton’s family.
Instead of closing the park to grieve their loss, they wanted to open up the facility to celebrate the singer and philanthropist.
“Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness — a space where families and friends could honour her memory, not with silence, but with laughter, music and shared dreams,” the theme park said.
A woman leaves flowers at a makeshift memorial honouring Dolly Parton outside her home in Brentwood, Tennessee. AP Photo/George Walker IV
Tributes continues to grow at the makeshift memorial outside her home AP Photo/George Walker IV
“In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle - ‘the show must go on’.
“Together, we honour her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.”
Fans and former staff were seen placing flowers outside the theme park and around the Dolly Parton statue in downtown Sevierville, and many also placed tributes outside Parton’s home in nearby Brentwood, Tennessee.
People also gathered in downtown Nashville, outside the soon-to-be-opened SongTeller Hotel, the singer’s third hotel.
Peoplpe also gathered in downtown Nashville, outside the soon-to-be-opened SongTeller Hotel, the singer’s third hotel. AP Photo/George Walker IV
She also ran HeartSong Lodge and Resort as well as DreamMore Resort and Spa, which are both located a short drive from Dollywood.
“The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood,” Dollywood Parks and Resorts president Eugene Naughton said.
“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.
“While we grieve her loss, we are honoured and committed to carry her light forward.”
Parton will be farewelled by immediate family only in a small service, the family confirmed.
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