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

PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE: Online speculation regarding the future of Dollywood has surfaced across social media platforms in the wake of Dolly Parton’s passing. False reports have ranged from claims that the beloved Tennessee theme park burned down and was shutting down for good, to rumors that Disney was stepping in to acquire the attraction. Let’s break down the facts.

Claim: Dollywood suffered a devastating fire and is permanently shutting down

The temporary closure of Dollywood on the day of Parton’s death sparked immediate public curiosity and anxiety about what lies ahead for the destination.

Addressing the uncertainty, one online user shared, “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.”

Not all social media commentary has been supportive. Another user posted critically, “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 💥👊👊👊”

Additionally, fabricated headlines began making the rounds, including one claiming, “Dollywood To Permanently Close Beloved Eagle Mountain Sanctuary After 35 Years.”

By Tuesday, September 1, a brand-new rumor surfaced on TikTok via viral videos, falsely alleging that a massive fire had destroyed the park and forced its permanent closure.

Fact Check: False — There was never any fire at Dollywood

These viral claims hold no truth. No fires have been reported at Dolly Parton’s iconic Pigeon Forge attraction.

The rumor appears to have originated when an online site misconstrued a separate report regarding an unrelated incident in Pigeon Forge, erroneously asserting that emergency crews were battling a blaze and evacuating nearby residents. Local authorities, including the Pigeon Forge Fire Department, confirmed that no such emergency occurred at or around Dollywood.

This follows another widely debunked rumor from just days prior, which claimed Disney was orchestrating a massive $200 billion buyout of the park. That fabrication originally stemmed from the satirical publication *Mouse Trap News* before going viral on social networks.

As outlets like NBC 10 San Diego pointed out, the acquisition story is entirely fictional. Dollywood continues to be co-owned by Dolly Parton Productions and Herschend Family Entertainment.

Park officials have firmly stated that Dollywood is not going anywhere. Shortly after Parton’s passing was announced, representatives stressed that the icon would have wanted operations to continue as usual, adopting the guiding mantra that “the show must go on.”

A spokesperson for the park shared, “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 representative concluded, “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.”