Dolly Parton Announces Reopening of Dollywood Theme Park After Closing Due to COVID-19

Dollywood is opening up again! The theme park, owned by Dolly Parton, closed due to COVID-19, but will reopen on June 15 and 16 for season ticket holders, and on June 17 for the general public. Dolly shared the good news on the park’s website, with a video message.

“Growing up in the Smoky Mountains, I learned that everything goes quiet for a spell. Then one day, everything starts to bloom, and grow again,” Dolly said. “Things have changed for all of us. That’s OK, because now we’re ready to see you happy and here with us again, to share the beauty of our mountains, to just be together, safer and stronger than ever before. We can’t wait to see you at Dollywood soon. Brighter days are here. Let’s get out and enjoy them.”

The Grand Ole Opry member just released a song and video, “When Life is Good Again,” to help those struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“I really try to write what I think everybody is going through right now,” Dolly told TIME. “I try to create things that I think people would like to be able to express, because I’ve always been grateful that I’m a writer.”

The 74-year-old has already endured plenty in her own life, which is why she remains steadfast in the belief that there can be better days ahead, if everyone does their part.

“I think we have to pull together a little better,” Dolly said. “I just think we’re just getting so scattered and so selfish, and we’re just letting too many good things go by.”

Find more information on Dollywood, including rules and regulations related to coronavirus, at Dollywood.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry / Chris Hollo