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Dollywood Reopens After Dolly Parton’s Death, Ticket Rush Crashes Site

8/25/2026

Summary

Dollywood Reopens

Dollywood reopens Wednesday, honoring Dolly Parton's wish that “the show must go on.”
The park’s website crashed for over two hours as fans attempted ticket purchases after Parton's death.
Dollywood invested $50 million in the NightFlight Expedition coaster, its most expensive attraction yet.
NightFlight will remain closed through Aug. 30 while manufacturers adjust its turntable timing.
A 2021 Tennessee study reports Dollywood generates $1.8 billion annually and supports over 23,000 jobs.

Summary

Dolly Parton Dies

Dolly Parton died at age 80 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Nephew and head of security Bryan Seaver announced her death in an Instagram video on Aug. 25, 2026.
She had been hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for kidney and autoimmune problems days before dying.
No official cause of death has been released.

Summary

Parton Flags Lowered

President Donald Trump announced a week-long national mourning with U.S. flags lowered to half-staff starting 6 p.m. Aug. 25.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear ordered state office flags lowered to half-staff for the same week, citing Parton’s reading impact.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Texas will also lower its flags, expressing sorrow for the “legend.”
Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) posted X tributes calling Parton an “iconic leader.”

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Dollywood Reopens

Dollywood reopens Wednesday, honoring Dolly Parton's wish that “the show must go on.”
The park’s website crashed for over two hours as fans attempted ticket purchases after Parton's death.
Dollywood invested $50 million in the NightFlight Expedition coaster, its most expensive attraction yet.
NightFlight will remain closed through Aug. 30 while manufacturers adjust its turntable timing.
A 2021 Tennessee study reports Dollywood generates $1.8 billion annually and supports over 23,000 jobs.

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