Fact Check: Is Dollywood burned down and permanently closing, with Disney taking over?

PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE: Rumors about Dollywood’s future have sparked concern among fans online following recent reports regarding Dolly Parton's death. Social media posts now claim that the theme park had burned down and will permanently close, while others allege that Disney plans to take over the attraction. Let’s fact-check the claim.

Claim: Dollywood had burned down in a fire and would permanently close

Dollywood has faced several hoaxes since its founder, singer Dolly Parton, died on August 26. The park closed on the day of Parton’s death, prompting some people online to question its future.

One user asked, “People are asking, ‘Is Dollywood closed? What will happen to the theme park?’ Disneyland didn’t close when Walt died. No one questioned if his theme park would continue. Dolly was a smart businesswoman and had no intention of the park ever closing. Mad respect for Dolly.”

Another user criticized the park, writing, “How many Jolene's were victimized under Dolly Parton's Dollywood Theme Park? Only a matter of time before the operations at this hell-hole is officially shut down permanently. Not even sure why it's still currently running. #DRAINTHESWAMP #NODEALS 💥👊👊👊”

Several articles also circulated claims about Dollywood’s Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, including the headline, “Dollywood To Permanently Close Beloved Eagle Mountain Sanctuary After 35 Years.”

On Tuesday, September 1, another claim spread online alleging that Dollywood had burned down in a fire and would permanently close. The claim began circulating through viral videos on TikTok.

Fact Check: False, no fire occurred at Dollywood

The claims are false. No fire occurred at Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

As the rumor spread online, a website picked up an apparent news report about a possible fire in Pigeon Forge. Without any official confirmation, the report claimed that firefighters had responded to the incident and that residents had to evacuate. However, the Pigeon Forge Fire Department has not confirmed any fire at or near Dollywood.

Days before the fire rumor emerged, another claim went viral alleging that Disney would buy Dollywood in a record $200 billion deal. The satirical website Mouse Trap News first published the claim, which then spread widely on social media.

NBC 10 San Diego reported that the claim was “the whole thing is fiction.” Dollywood remains jointly owned by Dolly Parton Productions and Herschend Family Entertainment.

Dollywood is not permanently closing. Hours after the announcement of Parton’s death, the park said that the “show must go on” and indicated that Parton would have wanted Dollywood to remain open.

A park spokesperson said, “Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness—a space where families and friends could honor her memory, not with silence, but with laughter, music and shared dreams.”

The spokesperson added, “In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle — ‘the show must go on.’ Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.”