08/25/2026
Rest in Peace, Sweet Dolly π
Dolly has been a part of my life since I was born.. so for a whole 40 years she has been a major part of my life.
As a child, my mom worked in a boutique in Dollywood and my Aunt worked at the Grist Mill. So as you can imagine, Dollywood was my playground. I would go to work with my mom and literally ride the rides all day long. I remember riding blazing fury 22 times in a row!!
My mom met Dolly on several occasions but I never got to meet her in person.
When I was 17, I got my first job at Dollywood as a games attendant in Country Fair. It was probably my most favorite job that I've ever had.
I have been a season pass holder majority of my life so alot of core memories were made in Dollywood and Splash Country.
Now having a family of my own, we have created so many more wonderful memories at Dollywood. We even traveled to Dolly's Travel Center to check out her new gas station because as she said "we can't leave it all to the beavers" π€£
Dolly has always been such a kind, giving, and genuine soul. She gave back to the community in so many ways.. helping with the hungry, homeless, victims of natural disasters that hit East TN, and creating the Imagination Library that has been a positive influence on so many lives.
We all may be grieving right now due to this great loss of our Queen Dolly but I know she wouldn't want us to stay sad... grieve but for a moment because joy comes in the morning. She would want us to continue her legacy... living as Dolly would..
I am so happy that she is now with Carl, her momma, her daddy, and her siblings that passed before her.. she is finally able to rest.. and I know that she can rest easy knowing the amazing life she lived, how many lives she impacted, and the wonderful things she leaves behind.
I am so grateful to have lived in a time that Dolly was alive even if I never got to meet her.. she was truly an amazing person.
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and all the many many people whose lives she touched.
I plan on making many many more trips to Dollywood and celebrating her memory π