Coming in 2027.
Last week, the queen of country music, Dolly Parton, passed away on August 25th at 80 years old in Nashville, Tennessee. The “Jolene” singer had been dealing with undisclosed health issues for the last year or so, and she previously shared that she was having issues with severe kidney stones. Aside from that, she understandably didn’t share more, though clearly there were more serious issues going on.
Dolly’s rep confirmed to People that her death sadly followed a “brief battle with cancer,” though the specific kind was not revealed. She had been open about her health struggles over the last several months, though it sounds like the cancer was a more recent development.
The family announced that, at Dolly’s request, a small private service will be held for immediate family, and her nephew revealed to TMZ that Dolly will be buried “in her signature high heels and a comfortable cotton dress” in the mausoleum at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, Tennessee, where she was buried next to her late husband Carl Dean on Friday.
Upon her passing, Dollywood, her theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, would issue the following statement in honor of its “Dreamer-in Chief:”
“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.
‘The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood,’ said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President. ‘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 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.’
Dolly’s enduring legacy extends beyond her music and generosity to her remarkable work ethic—an inspiration to people everywhere. 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 honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.
Those wishing to give in honor of Dolly may consider making a gift to the organization she was so deeply passionate about, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.”
During a press conference held today, Dollywood has announced further plans to honor the late legend’s legacy heading into 2027.
After teasing the idea of a “permanent fixture” to honor Dolly’s legacy upon her passing, Dollywood’s president, Eugene Naughton, announced that a waterfall will be added near Robert F. Thomas Chapel, becoming the centerpiece of the tributes added to the park. According to Yes Weekly, the chapel will also receive new stained-glass windows commissioned to reflect Ecclesiastes 3:1, one of her favorite Bible verses.
Naughton would explain that the waterfall next to the chapel was the perfect choice, given Dolly’s long history of wearing her faith on her sleeve throughout her career.
“Water represents life, and I never want people to forget her life. And the chapel’s a perfect place because she wore her heart on her sleeve. So, it made perfect sense to me to make that a permanent tribute area.
Additionally, Dollywood will add another character to the park, the Dream Maker, which will encourage guests to live like Dolly did — dreaming big and lifting others up in the process. Of course, this is an extension/reference to her Imagination Library, which has donated well over 300 million books to children under five years old since its inception in 1995.
Finally, a new entrance will be built for the Dolly Parton Experience museum, and special kiosks will also be located throughout Wildwood Grove, the largest extension of the park, which will allow guests a place to share notes on the impact Dolly made on them throughout their lives.
The additions are set to be finished when Dollywood reopens for the 2027 season in early March.
