A day after the news of Dolly Parton‘s death broke, the president of Dollywood gave an update on the Tennessee theme park. Co-owned by Herschend and Dolly Parton Productions, the theme park welcomes roughly four million guests every season. With Parton’s passing, many fans questioned the park’s future, and its president has put them all at ease.
Dollywood president reveals what’ll happen to theme park after Dolly Parton’s death
On August 26, Dollywood’s official Instagram page shared an emotional video from president Eugene Naughton. “This is a really heavy day for all of us here at Dollywood Parks and Resorts,” he said. “We’ve been dealing with the news of our Dreamer in Chief passing, and I want to speak directly to you to make sure you realize that she’s alive and well here.”
Naughton addressed fans’ concerns about any potential changes to the park. He said, “I know a lot of people are concerned that things are going to change without Dolly being present here, and I want to assure you that it’s not. Just know that we’re all going to keep her alive here.” Growing emotional, he encouraged fans to keep the legendary country musician’s legacy alive in her absence.
“We’re all humans, so I ask everyone to just remember that,” he said. “And to honor how she would treat others; show kindness. Don’t be afraid to love big. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Don’t be afraid to care more about others because that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Because that’s exactly what she’d want us to do.” He concluded the video, saying, “The show must go on.”
Fans showed their support for Naughton in the comments. One fan wrote, “Someone give that man a hug. I could see it in his eyes that he was hurting.” Another commented, “Oh my goodness my heart breaks for him. He looks so sad,” while one mused, “Our hearts are with you, Eugene. And the whole Dollywood family.”
Originally reported by Ankita Shaw on Mandatory.