Thousands gathered at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on Wednesday to pay tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton, who died on August 25 at the age of 80, shortly after a cancer diagnosis. The theme park, located near Parton’s hometown in the Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee, became a focal point for fans mourning the loss of the iconic singer, songwriter, and philanthropist.

Among those who traveled to the park was Becky Bullard, who was en route home to Austin, Texas, when she learned of Parton’s passing. Instead of continuing her planned journey, Bullard rented a car and drove nearly four hours to Dollywood, dressing in attire inspired by the star, including a gold-sequined dress and signature red lipstick. Bullard described Parton as an influence who encouraged her to express herself boldly and demand respect as a woman.

Dollywood, which opened in 1986, is a 160-acre theme park that attracts more than four million visitors annually. Parton originally envisioned the park as a “fantasy city,” similar to Disneyland but rooted in the mountain culture she grew up in. Reflecting this vision, the park features traditional Appalachian crafts, food vendors, and artisans, alongside rides and attractions. A small chapel on the grounds offers visitors a place for quiet reflection, and museums showcase Parton’s musical achievements and philanthropic efforts. Butterfly imagery is prominent throughout the park, symbolizing Parton’s enduring legacy.

In 2010, Parton told the Associated Press she hoped the park would provide jobs and economic development in her home region. Her commitment to the area’s heritage remains a central theme of Dollywood, which celebrates both her career and her connection to eastern Tennessee.

At the park’s entrance, mourners left numerous tributes including flowers, letters, drawings, and personal memorabilia. The outpouring of grief underscored Parton’s widespread impact beyond music, as a cultural icon whose life and work resonated deeply with fans around the world.