Dolly Parton Bridge Witnesses Multi-Vehicle Crash and Emergency Jump

Sadly, a tragic accident was recently reported in Dolly Parton’s name.

Dolly Parton is one of the most iconic figures in country music and American entertainment. Born in 1946 in rural Tennessee, Parton rose from humble beginnings to become a global superstar. Her career took off in the late 1960s when she joined The Porter Wagoner Show, a popular country music television program. This partnership not only boosted her fame but also allowed her to release several hit songs.

Parton’s breakthrough came with her solo work, especially with songs like “Jolene” (1973) and “I Will Always Love You” (1974). These tracks solidified her place in country music, and “I Will Always Love You” later became a massive hit again when Whitney Houston covered it for The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992. Dolly is also known for other major hits such as “9 to 5,” which she wrote and performed for the film of the same name. Her ability to combine poignant storytelling with catchy melodies made her a favorite in both country and mainstream music.

In addition to her music career, Dolly Parton expanded her influence into the theme park industry with the creation of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 1986. Dollywood grew out of an existing theme park, Silver Dollar City, which Parton partnered with to create a destination that celebrated the culture, heritage, and natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

Dollywood quickly became one of Tennessee’s top tourist attractions, offering a blend of thrilling rides, live entertainment, artisan crafts, and cultural exhibits that reflect the Appalachian region where Dolly grew up. The park also offers a glimpse into Parton’s life, with areas dedicated to her career, music, and philanthropy.

A key aspect of Dollywood’s success has been its ability to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere while incorporating high-quality attractions. The park includes roller coasters, water parks, and performances, but it’s also known for its dedication to community and regional pride. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, opened in 2015, added a hospitality element to the park’s appeal, offering lodging and immersive experiences for visitors.

Dolly remains actively involved with Dollywood, often visiting the park, engaging with guests, and overseeing its growth and development. Beyond entertainment, Dollywood plays a role in her philanthropic work, including the establishment of the Imagination Library, which provides free books to children across the U.S. and other countries.

Throughout her long career, Dolly Parton has largely avoided major scandals or controversies, thanks to her ability to navigate fame with grace and humor. She’s known for being candid about her physical appearance, particularly her frequent references to plastic surgery, which she has embraced rather than hide.

One of the few notable controversies in which Parton found herself was in relation to her theme park, Dollywood. In 2011, a woman was denied entry to the park for wearing a pro-LGBTQ+ shirt. Parton quickly addressed the incident, apologizing and stating that everyone is welcome at Dollywood. She has since been vocal about her support for LGBTQ+ rights, despite some backlash from conservative groups within the country music scene.

Another controversy was related to the song “I Will Always Love You.” Elvis Presley expressed interest in recording the song, but Parton refused to give up half the publishing rights to his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Though it was a difficult decision, it showcased her business acumen and control over her career. This move later proved incredibly wise, as the song’s royalties brought in substantial earnings after Whitney Houston’s version became a global sensation.

Overall, Dolly Parton’s ability to maintain her wholesome image while addressing occasional controversies head-on has only enhanced her reputation as a beloved figure.

Now, another controversy has been set in Dolly’s name, even though she has very little to do with it.

The “Dolly Parton Bridge” refers to a pair of twin bridges on Interstate 65 that span the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta in Alabama. The name is an unofficial, colloquial one, and it comes from the bridge’s distinctive appearance. The bridges’ two large, arching supports have been humorously compared to Dolly Parton’s curvy figure, especially her famously ample bust, by locals and travelers.

Parton’s connection to the bridge is also due to her role in raising funds for its construction. She donated a significant amount of money to the project, and her name was suggested as a possible namesake for the bridge.

While this nickname is widely known, it’s not an official title; the bridges are officially known as the General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge, named after a prominent military figure. Dolly Parton herself has humorously acknowledged the nickname in interviews, demonstrating her good-natured attitude toward such references to her physical appearance.

Earlier this week, a major accident was reported on the Dolly Parton Bridge, leaving all involved injured.

WKRG reported a crash involving two commercial vehicles that closed the southbound lanes of Interstate 65 near the General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge (also known as the Dolly Parton Bridge) for several hours.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reported that the crash occurred around 2:18 a.m. near the 30-mile marker, resulting in injuries to both drivers. A 2017 Volvo tractor-trailer struck a 2018 Mack tractor-trailer, causing the crash.

The southbound lanes were closed for several hours while the vehicles were removed from the scene. The area was cleared approximately six hours after the crash.

In July, a man jumped from the Dolly Parton bridge on Interstate 65 on Tuesday to avoid injury during a multi-vehicle crash that blocked the northbound lanes in Baldwin County.

The accident occurred around 6:27 a.m. near mile marker 28 on the General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge.

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, the crash involved three 18-wheelers, six cars, and a box truck.

Several individuals sustained injuries, but no fatalities were reported.

In 2015, a fiery crash was reported on the same bridge, which had a tragic and unfortunate fatal result.

While Parton had no cause in the accident, nor does she own the bridge, her name is still be used in headlines about the crash due to the highly popularized nickname that the bridge has been dubbed with.

What is Dolly Parton Up To?

Dolly Parton has been busy launching new ventures in recent months. She has released a wine collection called Dolly Wines, a home kitchen collection with Dollar General, and a new cookbook titled “Good Lookin’ Cookin’.” She has also partnered with Krispy Kreme and launched a Pirates Voyage Dinner Show in Florida.

As a 50% co-owner of Dollywood, Parton has been involved in the theme park’s recent successes and challenges. The Dolly Parton Experience opened to positive reviews and accolades, surpassing Disney in some polls and visitor rankings. However, Dollywood has also faced setbacks, including theft, unexpected closures, and flooding this year.

On July 17, the park was forced to close just moments after opening, disappointing thousands of guests.

Parton is also expanding her business ventures into the beauty industry. She has introduced a new makeup line called “Dolly Beauty,” featuring a lipstick collection inspired by her hit songs.

Have you ever driven across the Dolly Parton bridge?