FOUND: Dollywood open as usual despite dolly partons death | Mind Blowing Facts

An emailed statement from Dollywood confirmed: “Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle —‘the show must go on.’ "

Dollywood Parks and Resorts President Eugene Naughton paid a heartfelt tribute to the iconic star and pledged to "carry her light forward" through the theme park.

Eugene wrote: "The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood.

"Dolly’s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds. She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply. While we grieve her loss, we are honoured and committed to carry her light forward.

"Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile shared and every dream kindled within these gates.”

After Dolly died, her representatives confirmed she had been through a "brief battle with cancer".

She had been largely out of the spotlight in recent months due to undisclosed health concerns, and her problems meant she missed a major appearance at Dollywood earlier this month for the opening of its new NightFlight Expedition attraction.

Instead, Dolly addressed the crowd virtually from Nashville, explaining dizziness and dehydration had prevented her from making the journey and that her doctor had told her to remain at home.

Dolly said: “I’m still in Nashville, and I’m sorry about that.

“I’m supposed to be there in person, like we planned. Now I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I have had a few little health issues. And sometimes I get a little dizzy, and I get dehydrated.

“And I’m dehydrated. And so my Nashville doctor clipped my wings, saying you ain’t traveling this week.”

Dolly, who appeared in the video wearing fairy wings, added: “So I guess if your doctor tells you you ain’t traveling this week, you ain’t traveling this week.”