BUZZBEAT
…
Dollywood

Star file

Dollywood

singer · songwriter · entertainer · founder

Also known as Dolly Parton

10 stories · latest Sep 4, 2026 · Celebrity, Music, TV & Film

Dollywood biography

Dolly Parton was an iconic country music singer, songwriter, and global entertainer who founded the famous Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Raised in a cramped cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, she achieved international fame across music and film while remaining grounded and funding medical research and childhood literacy programs.

Parton passed away in August 2026 at age 80 following a private battle with cancer. Recent coverage has focused on global fan memorials at Dollywood and her hometown, park leadership developing new experiences to honor her legacy, and a secret unreleased track locked inside a custom box at Dollywood scheduled for release on her 100th birthday.

  • Coverage highlights Dolly Parton's lasting pop-culture impact and her deep connection to East Tennessee through her flagship theme park, Dollywood.
  • Media focus centered on global fan tributes following her death at age 80, as well as park initiatives and vault projects designed to honor her lifelong legacy.

The Dollywood shelf

Films and shows to own

9 to 5 coverWATCH · 19809 to 5Her screen debut, and still the sharpest office comedy ever made.

Latest on Dollywood

Dollywood timeline

  1. DOCTOR'S ORDERS: Dolly Parton Addresses Health Struggles After Missing Major Public Appearance

    Aug 18, 2026

    Dolly Parton sent a video message to Dollywood guests after recurring dizziness led her doctor to restrict her travel.

    DOCTOR'S ORDERS: Dolly Parton Addresses Health Struggles After Missing Major Public Appearance
  2. Dolly Parton Locked a Secret Song in a Box for Her 100th Birthday

    Aug 26, 2026

    Reports revealed Parton sealed an unreleased song at Dollywood to be opened on her 100th birthday.

    Dolly Parton Locked a Secret Song in a Box for Her 100th Birthday
  3. Dolly Parton Dead at 80: What Happens to Dollywood Theme Park Now?

    Aug 26, 2026

    Dolly Parton passed away at age 80 following a private fight with cancer.

    Dolly Parton Dead at 80: What Happens to Dollywood Theme Park Now?
  4. Dolly Parton Honored With Emotional Memorials at Dollywood and Hometown in Tennessee

    Aug 26, 2026

    Mourning supporters erected temporary floral memorials at Dollywood and in Sevierville.

    Dolly Parton Honored With Emotional Memorials at Dollywood and Hometown in Tennessee
  5. Dollywood Developing New Experiences To Celebrate Founder Dolly Parton

    Sep 2, 2026

    Dollywood announced plans for fresh attractions reflecting Parton's historic journey and legacy.

    Dollywood Developing New Experiences To Celebrate Founder Dolly Parton
  6. Rob Brydon Kicking Himself After Bailing on Dolly Parton Chat

    Sep 4, 2026

    Rob Brydon shared his regret over missing a chance to interview Dolly Parton at Dollywood.

    Rob Brydon Kicking Himself After Bailing on Dolly Parton Chat

The photos · 21

Rob Brydon Kicking Himself After Bailing on Dolly Parton Chat
Image caption, Dolly Parton's Welsh connections had been revisited by staff at Conwy council's archives
Dollywood Developing New Experiences To Celebrate Founder Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton Still Lives By Her Humble Tennessee Roots, According To Local Mayor
Waters (pictured above) gushed over the fact that Parton never forgot her humble roots and always gave back to the community, even after becoming an icon in the country music world. He also recalled her “vivacious” perso
Waters noted that Parton (seen here in 1955) was proud of the area and was extremely generous.
The “Jolene” singer’s childhood home is marked with a sign, though is not open to visitors.
The “9 to 5” singer did, however, make an exact replica of the cabin at her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for fans to visit.
Hersheypark Apologizes After Ill-Timed Reply to Dolly Parton Tribute
Dolly Parton Honored With Emotional Memorials at Dollywood and Hometown in Tennessee
Dolly Parton Memorials at Dollywood and Sevierville
Dolly Parton's Universal Stardom Comes With A Bigger Lesson For Fans
Dolly Parton Dead at 80: What Happens to Dollywood Theme Park Now?
The theme park announced it would be open for business Wednesday, “as Dolly wanted.” (Pictured: Parton in a black-and-white photo.)
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton said the “greatest privilege” of his life has been “helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood.” (Pictured: Parton speaking to guests at Dollywood in 2024.)
The theme park opened as Dollywood in May 1986. (Pictured: The Dollywood sign in 2016.)
It is jointly owned by Herschend and Dolly Parton Productions. (Pictured: Parton on a Ferris wheel in 1993.)
Parton (seen waving at fans at the 8th season grand opening of Dollywood) died on Tuesday. She was 80.
Dolly Parton Locked a Secret Song in a Box for Her 100th Birthday
Dollywood Reopens Wednesday 'As Dolly Wanted' After Short Scheduled Break
DOCTOR'S ORDERS: Dolly Parton Addresses Health Struggles After Missing Major Public Appearance

Dollywood: your questions

How old was Dolly Parton when she died?

Dolly Parton was 80 years old when she passed away after privately battling cancer.

Where is the Dollywood theme park located?

Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

What is locked inside the box at Dollywood?

A secret unreleased master recording by Dolly Parton is locked inside a custom box at Dollywood, set to be opened on her 100th birthday.

Why did Hersheypark issue an apology regarding Dolly Parton?

Hersheypark posted a tweet advertising its own admission prices beneath a social media post honoring Parton following her death.

More on Dollywood

Often in the same story

Dolly PartonTennesseeRolling StoneBbc