They’re trying to climb her stairway to heaven.
Fans of the late country music icon Dolly Parton have crashed the Dollywood website. The Tennessee amusement park boasts roller coasters, live concerts and an archive of Parton’s most famous costumes, including the real “coat of many colors” that inspired her breakout 1971 hit song.
The mourners swarmed Dollywood.com less than an hour after news broke of her death, leaving imminent visitors searching travel forums for info.
“I was planning on visiting Wednesday of next week,” wrote one Redditor. “Do you anticipate the crowds will be insane now?”
“The park will likely be overrun with vloggers eager for ‘content,’” griped another. “Just ignore their antics.”
Shortly before 4 p.m., the site blinked awake with a static message from Dollywood president Eugene Naughton honoring his “Dreamer-in-Chief,” who died at the age of 80.
“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.”
Dollywood first opened in 1986 as Parton invested in a small, railroad-themed family park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. 40 years later, it has world-renowned thrill rides, along with booths helmed by traditional Appalachian cooks and artisans.
Despite it’s founders tragic death, Naughton confirmed that the park would remain open tomorrow, “as Dolly wanted.”
He encouraged those touched by Parton’s life to donate to her Imagination Library, which funded nationwide childhood literacy programs.
“The show,” Naughton wrote, “must go on.”
Online, devoted fans agreed.
“Don’t change your trip,” wrote one member of Reddit’s Dollywood forum.
“Dolly would want you to have fun.”
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