For nearly four decades, Dollywood has been inseparable from Dolly Parton. The Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park is not simply a destination that happens to carry the name of a famous entertainer. Parton helped shape what Dollywood became, weaving pieces of her childhood, music, family, Appalachian upbringing, and personal values into experiences that millions of guests have encountered over the years.

That makes the news of her passing especially significant for the park.

Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, and Dollywood has now publicly responded to the loss of its longtime co-owner and namesake. In a statement shared on social media, the park mourned Parton while making one thing very clear: Dollywood will continue. The park is expected to remain open Wednesday, following Parton's own wishes for the destination she helped create.

Dollywood Breaks Its Silence

Dollywood shared an emotional statement following Parton's death, referring to her as its