Dolly Parton's beloved Dollywood has suddenly closed down without prior notice.
Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is the eponymous theme park co-owned by country music icon Dolly Parton. Since opening in 1986, the park has grown into one of Tennessee's most popular attractions, blending the traditional crafts, food, and music of Appalachia with thrill rides such as Lightning Rod, Wild Eagle, Blazing Fury, and Big Bear Mountain.
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But it hasn't always been about Dolly. Before there was Dollywood, there was Rebel Railroad – a small tourist attraction that featured a steam train ride. Through the years, it was known as Goldrush Junction, then just Goldrush, and then Silver Dollar City before Parton bought a stake in the park.
“I always thought that if I made it big or got successful at what I had started out to do, that I wanted to come back to my part of the country and do something great,” Parton later said about her decision to invest in the park. “Something that would bring a lot of jobs into this area.”
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Since becoming its namesake, elements of Dolly Parton's public persona have become hugely important to the theme park. For example, at the Dolly's Tennessee Mountain Home, guests can explore a replica of where Parton spent her childhood.
Meanwhile, The Dolly Parton Experience – which opened to guests in May – includes “exhibits which span her iconic career, the inspiration and results of her biggest dreams, the importance of her family, and even a curated exhibit that highlights Dolly’s signature style through the years.”
Three times the size of the former Chasing Rainbows Museum, the experience also includes Dolly's Fan Shop, where fans can shop “all things Dolly.” (In other words, it's literally the dream store). Parton herself has praised the museum, telling CBS, “You know how they say sometimes that when you start to die, your whole life flashes before you? Well, it about killed me going through there 'cause I got so emotional.”
Whether you're a diehard Dolly fan, a roller coaster junkie, or just want some of the iconic cinnamon bread, there's truly something for everyone at the theme park, which is exactly why it's earned such a soft spot in the hearts of many.
A study by InsureandGo awarded Dollywood an impressive “Come Back” score of 94 out of 100, making it the top global destination for returning visitors. Some have claimed that it outranks Disney's theme parks., with the park even outperforming Walt Disney World Resort in Tripadvisor's 2024 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards for the United States.
However, those hoping to experience the park for themselves today have been left disappointed as Dollywood announces its sudden closures.
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As per an announcement posted on its social media, Dollywood is closed due to a water main break at the theme park. The situation is ongoing, but Dollywood maintenance teams and crews from the City of Pigeon Force are currently at work trying to resolve the issue.
Due to a water main break, Dollywood theme park is closed for the day. Dollywood maintenance teams and City of Pigeon Forge crews are on scene to repair the break. More details will be provided once available. Dollywood’s Splash Country and Dollywood resort properties are not affected.
Please see this park update for Wednesday, July 17. pic.twitter.com/AU3CsNWH0R
— Dollywood Parks & Resorts (@Dollywood) July 17, 2024
Dollywood spokesperson Wes Ramey confirmed to Knox News (via Oak Ridger), the water main break occurred about an hour after the park opened. “Crews are still assessing the area. Once we have more information, we will post everything on social and on our website,” he said.
Dollywood's Splash Country – the sprawling water park adjacent to the East Tennessee theme park – remains open, as do its hotels, Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort, and Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa.
As of the afternoon of July 17, there's no update on when the Dollywood closure will end, but we'll let you know as soon as this changes.
What's your favorite thing about Dollywood?
Dollywood was like a dream world to children and adults alike. I would recommend it to all families that truly want to have a wonderful vacation. When you go, be ready for the Greatest experience ever and it’s located in the middle of God’s country. Love it.
It’s a awesome place to go to relax and have fun hate to hear it is closing
Dolly, your park is the most family friendly and fun. Please keep it open. I don’t want to take my granddaughter to Disney. She’s 9. Her parents have been 3 times.
I want the Dollywood experience for her. Wholesome and clean. Mt 2 kids attended. My grandma attended Silver Dollar City.
I want them to have a wholesome experience with your Dollywood!please open up for your true fans. Plus, it’s not political, it’s family fun!
Dollywood isnt closing permanently is it?
My daughter and I have made Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg an annual girls trip since she was 7. This year she will be 27 and we’re still carrying on the tradition. Mystery Mine is our favorite ride!!!
So glad this is a TEMPORARY closure due to a water main break. My extended family and I have a trip planned to the area in October, celebrating my 80th birthday.
Dollywood is open
I love Dollywood theme park
I’ve always dreamed of going to Dollywood. I never made it there, but I will say I know a lot of people that have and they say it’s beautiful and most of all everyone should just thank God it is not really closing. It’s just closed because of water problems it will reopen and you will still have fun
Enjoy life God bless
Haven’t never been there since I was driving a semi truck at the time but heard quite a bit about it and would have gone if I could have gotten my truck there and found a parking spot like I did at Arlington the Johnson Space Center. But now I’m 61 years old and I don’t think I’ll be able to make it since I can’t work and have no money coming in as of yet. But I’ve listened to this gal over the years and she is a very sweet lady. I live in Guthrie, Ok with my daughter and her kids. I remember taking my daughter twice to Arlington and Six Flags. But I’m happy and content with just watching the deer in my yard now days.
Haven’t got to go yet cause when I was suppose to go plans got changed at last minute and never got around to going since but I hope and pray one day I do before it is to late in my life .. so please don’t shut it down altogether…. I grew up listening to dolly’s music I look at her as one of my idol’s in the music world..
This is a good example how the media takes a story and turns it around to seem like something bad or something else other than the correct story. COME ON DO BETTER!
I like Dolly Parton I haven’t been there yet but hope to someday
My husband,kids & I lived in Servile/ Pigeon Forge area from 1992 – 1993. It’s SO Beautiful up there. My husband worked for Burger King up there and we got passes to go almost every month to every three months.
THE PARK IS OPEN AND RUNNING as of 7/18/24. This is so poorly written that the author should be sued for spreading false info. READ the entire crappy post and go to a real news source for real news.
I’ve always been a Dolly fan and wish to go before but never had a chance but when it reopens I’m going. Love you ???? Dolly