President of Dolly Parton’s famed Dollywood park chokes back tears as he opens up about ‘heavy day’ after star’s death

THE President of Dolly Parton’s Dollywood park fought back tears as he addressed the ‘heavy’ day after the beloved singer’s death. Country music legend and 11-time Grammy winner Dolly passed away on Tuesday, August 25 at 80 years old. Dollywood Theme Park’s president shared an emotional video following Dolly Parton’s death Credit: Instagram/dollywood The much-loved singer’s death was announced yesterday by nephew Bryan Seaver Credit: Getty Dollywood Theme Park’s Instagram account posted a video of Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton sharing an emotional message. Naughton said in the clip: “This is a really heavy day for all of us here at Dollywood Parks & Resorts. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! “We’ve been dealing with the news of our dreamer-in-chief passing. “And I want to speak directly to you to make sure you realize that she’s alive and well here.” Read more on Dolly Parton As per Dolly’s wishes, Dollywood would remain open Credit: Alamy Dolly with fellow country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus Credit: Getty Naughton continued: “I know a lot of people are concerned that things are gonna change without Dolly being present here. “I want to assure you that it’s not. Just know that we’re all going to keep her alive here.” He concluded: “Show kindness, don’t be afraid to love big, don’t be afraid to dream big. “Don’t be afraid to care more about others. That’s what we’re going to do, because that’s exactly what she’d want us to do.” Most read in Entertainment In addition, Naughton described the park’s next steps as “hard” but said “the show must go on”. One person commented: “Oh my goodness my heart breaks for him. He looks so sad.” Another penned: “The tears in his eyes!” A third wrote: “Our hearts are with you, Eugene. And the whole Dollywood family.” While a fourth shared: “I love the raw emotion in this video. Vulnerability is strength. That’s the Dolly way.” Dollywood is remaining open following Parton’s death – in accordance with the star’s wishes. Park bosses said Parton wanted Dollywood to continue bringing families together after she was gone, rather than shut its gates in mourning. Comment now