Goodbye, Dolly: Country legend leaves a towering legacy in Tennessee tourism

Country music legend Dolly Parton, whose unmistakable voice, larger-than-life personality and deep connection to her Tennessee roots made her one of the world’s most beloved entertainers, died at the age of 80 on Tuesday (Aug. 25) after a “brief battle” with cancer, People reported.

Parton passed away in Nashville, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy spanning music, film, television and philanthropy.

But in her home state of Tennessee, her influence can also be measured in visitors.

Over a career that took her around the globe, Parton remained closely tied to the Volunteer State, celebrating her upbringing in songs such as “My Tennessee Mountain Home” while using her success to create attractions and experiences that helped put East Tennessee on the international tourism map.

At the centre of that legacy is Dollywood, the Pigeon Forge theme park Parton opened in 1986 in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Parton remained closely involved with the attraction throughout her life, serving as its “Dreamer-in-Chief” and overseeing its evolution from a theme park into a sprawling resort destination celebrating music, entertainment, food and Appalachian culture.

Dollywood’s footprint expanded significantly over the decades. Dollywood’s Splash Country water park opened in 2001, followed by DreamMore Resort in 2015 and HeartSong Lodge & Resort in 2023.

The Dolly Parton Experience, an attraction exploring Parton’s life, career, style and family, opened in 2024.

Her presence can be felt elsewhere in the region, too. Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner attraction is a fixture in Pigeon Forge, while a bronze statue of the singer stands outside the courthouse in nearby Sevierville, where Parton was born.

Together, the attractions have helped make Parton synonymous with tourism in the Smoky Mountains, drawing generations of visitors to the area and supporting a broader tourism economy that extends well beyond Dollywood’s gates.

“The show must go on”

Following news of Parton’s death, Dollywood, on its website, confirmed that the park would remain open Wednesday, honouring Parton’s long-held belief that “the show must go on.”

“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,” the park said in a statement.

“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.”

In a statement, Eugene Naughton, president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, reflected on the impact Parton had on the destination and those who helped build it alongside her.

“The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood,” 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 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.”

Tennessee’s “first lady”

While Tennessee remained close to Parton’s heart, Nashville was where she pursued the career that ultimately made her a global star.

Parton moved to Music City as a teenager and later settled with her husband, Carl, in Brentwood, south of Nashville. 

Over the years, she championed various Tennessee attractions.

In a post on LinkedIn, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell said Parton’s ability to showcase the state to the world made her an extraordinary ambassador for Tennessee.

“This is a heartbreaking day for Tennessee and for people around the world. Dolly Parton was an icon and, in many ways, Tennessee’s first lady,” Ezell wrote, adding that in his eight years as commissioner, he had never met anyone like her.

“Dolly had a smile for everyone. She brought love and brilliance to every conversation. Her presence was unmistakable, but so was her authenticity. She knew exactly who she was, never forgot where she came from and used her platform to lift others,” Ezell wrote. “Her generosity changed millions of lives.”

Parton was also “an extraordinary friend and ambassador for Tennessee,” as well as a “constant presence and champion for our state across generations.”

“She invited the world into our music, our mountains and our culture and made everyone feel welcome,” Ezell wrote. “Today, Tennessee’s tourism and hospitality industry joins all Tennesseans and millions around the world in mourning this tremendous loss.”

“We are heartbroken by her passing and forever grateful for all she gave Tennessee and the world.”

Dollywood is encouraging those wishing to honour Parton to consider making a gift to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a book gifting program that mails free books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income.

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