On Tuesday evening, news broke of Dolly Parton's death, aged 80. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a video statement and the showbiz world has been in mourning since. Ever the selfless star, the country singing legend had one final wish before she passed, and that was for her iconic theme park Dollywood to remain open.
A statement was shared on the Dollywood website confirming that "Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle - 'the show must go on'."
The full message reads: "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.
© Instagram/Dollywood"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.
© Photo: Getty Images"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."
Dollywood is an impressive 160-acre theme park in Tennessee with 50 rides and a successful popularity rating. It opened back in 1986, and in 2024, it was voted the number one theme park in the US by TripAdvisor.
What will happen to Dolly Parton's $450 million fortune?
Icon Dolly Parton leaves behind a $450 million fortune amassed through her successful music catalogue, publishing rights, and business ventures like the Dollywood theme park.
The Jolene singer's husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean, passed away in early 2025, and they had no children together, so who will inherit it now?
The specific details of her will have not been publicly released, but we know she had 19 nieces and nephews as her closest extended family. Given her lifelong dedication to philanthropy, having donated an estimated $600 million during her lifetime to causes like her Imagination Library and disaster relief, it is presumed that her wealth may be heading to charity's pockets.
