Dollywood will be missing its “Dreamer-in-Chief,” but the heart of the park isn’t going anywhere.
One day after Dolly Parton’s death at age 80, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President and CEO Eugene Naughton spoke directly to fans concerned about what her passing could mean for the Tennessee theme park she helped build.
“This is a really heavy day for all of us here at Dollywood Parks and Resorts,” Naughton said in an Instagram video shared Wednesday, August 26. “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.”
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Naughton then addressed one of the biggest questions surrounding Dollywood’s future. “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,” he said.
Instead, Naughton said the team intends to preserve the values Parton instilled in the park, encouraging people to “show kindness,” “love big” and “dream big.”
“Don’t be afraid to care more about others because that’s exactly what we’re gonna do cause that’s exactly what she’d want us to do,” he added, concluding, “The show must go on.”
Fans praised Naughton’s message and honesty amid Parton’s death.
“What stands out here is what makes Dolly and Dollywood different. This was from the heart. Not a cue card ran by execs, just speaking naturally and honestly and from the heart, and putting it out there. We need more of this.,” one shared in the comments.
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“Great leadership being demonstrated here. I think your guests and the resort are in good hands with this type of messaging. Thinking of you and your teams right now.,” another wrote.
A third noted, “I love the raw emotion in this video. Vulnerability is strength. That’s the Dolly way.”
Dollywood released a statement following Parton’s death the day before on Tuesday, August 25. Rather than closing Wednesday, the Pigeon Forge destination remained open in honor of Parton and her longtime belief that “the show must go on.”
Parton’s death was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver in an emotional Instagram video. The news came just days after the country legend provided an update on ongoing health issues, saying that although she was “still healin’,” she was also “still workin’.”
Related: Dolly Parton’s Health: Country Icon Gives New Update After Recent Cancellation
