Dollywood Closes Early Due to Weather After Season Opener

Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park founded by country music legend Dolly Parton, closed three hours early on Monday, March 16, 2026, due to inclement weather, just days after kicking off its new season with a personal appearance by Parton herself.

The park, located in Pigeon Forge, had opened for its 41st season on Friday, March 13, following a winter break that began in January. The grand opening featured a parade in which Parton, serving as the park's "Dreamer-in-Chief," rode in a horse-drawn carriage and addressed crowds during festivities. In her keynote speech, the 80-year-old performer spoke openly about recent personal challenges, including minor health issues that had kept her from touring and the emotional strain of grieving her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who died on March 3, 2025, at age 82 after 58 years of marriage.

"I've not been touring, as you know," Parton told the audience. "I've had a few little health issues, and we're taking good care of them. I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on. I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally, and physically. But all is good. It didn't slow me...