Dolly Parton dies at 80

What an incredible life lived, and a true loss to this world. Her music was inspiring, but it’s her charitable work which is absolutely without peer.

I liked that she always looked after people and community, and that this was not in conflict with her commercial ambitions.

How lucky are we to have been alive to witness her kindness, humanity, and care for the people of Tennessee by creating a theme park. Walt Disney and Dolly Parton brought joy to our lives through their lives!

She was among the best humanity had to offer. As a fellow creative type, I found her fascinating. She also inspired me morally. She is one of the most loved human beings to ever live.

I am stupidly disappointed I never made it to Dollywood when Dolly was alive - not that I would have seen her there, just that somehow it will feel different now.

I doubt she was making major decisions about the place, but it does seem likely she was a check on the worst corporate impulses. Hopefully they'll continue operating in her spirit.

I do trust the Hershunds more than any other operator. I was fortunate enough to be in Dollywood two times when she was there. She would always come out on stage with the cast of the indoor shows once during the day, but you never knew which show, unless you bought Lo-Q. Asking the people at that office which order to reserve the shows with a wink would get you a spot for all of her performances. That woman was amazing, she would have a new outfit for every appearance. The first time I saw her was shortly after she had released Blue Smoke, and the bass for the Kingdom Heirs group had been a background voice on that song. She preformed that song, in high heels, and with 2 inch long nails, not only vocally but strumming a banjo at the same time. Just an amazing talent.

Her influence on Dollywood is one thing. Here influence on Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg is another entirely. She certainly doesn't deserve all the credit for that area's success...but she deserves a lot of the credit.

Dolly is my personal hero, and I’ve been dreading the day. When I received the unexpected news I suffered a little spell on the spot. More like an episode, really. And I was not at home, oh boy.
I can’t think of another person so universally loved. I was lucky to have seen Dolly several times over the years, going back as far as the just-left-Porter Waggoner-days. She was one class act of a human being, and her consistent message was one of love for one another and pride in one’s home.

I always swore that when the sad day came there’d be no need to look for me- I’d be in the car. That did not happen- I was quite certain the area would be mobbed and thought better of it. Then yesterday I saw a video from a guy that actually did go to Dollywood to pay respects (as one should) and he reported that the place was pretty empty and seemed to be lacking a certain energy. Understandable, and to be fair, it’s likely a slower time of year. (I think on the actual day of her death the park was scheduled closed anyway). But he said the park employees were trying to keep a cheerful face and all were happy to share memories of Dolly. He also reported that they’re actually constructing permanent memorials outside the park and also in Sevierville for people to leave their floral tributes and gifts. I reckon that will probably go on there for a long time.

Be like Dolly. You won’t go wrong.