Fans in Dollywood react to death of music star, actor and beloved figure Dolly Parton at 80

Fans visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, reacted Wednesday to the death of country music icon Dolly Parton at 80. Jonah La Grand, a fan visiting the theme park, praised Parton for her music and her contributions to the community. “It’s great to see someone become so famous these days just through her own kindness because nowadays so many people get famous for all the wrong reasons.” Carla Potts, visiting Dollywood for the first time, described Parton as a “great, great lady” and “wonderful entertainer,” praising her for spreading hope and joy. Potts, a retired teacher, also highlighted Parton’s Imagination Library program, which provides free books to children. “I love the idea of her you know her book giving away the books, amazing.” Copyright © 2026 The Washington Times, LLC.