Credit: DollywoodDolly Parton’s Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, has announced an early closure, effective March 16. The news comes just three days after the Smoky Mountain vacation destination opened for its 2026 season.
Dollywood Announces Closure
On Monday, Dollywood announced via Instagram story that the Pigeon Forge theme park would close early due to inclement weather conditions. The park’s statement read:
PARK UPDATE
Due to current weather conditions, Dollywood will close at 5 p.m. tonight, March 16.
Dollywood will open tomorrow (3/17) with regular operating hours as scheduled.
Dollywood was scheduled to close at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, meaning that the park is closing three hours early. It is expected to reopen as scheduled on Tuesday, with all operations continuing as normal, including the “I Will Always Love You” Music Festival.
The early closure comes just three days after the Pigeon Forge theme park opened for the 2026 season, kicking off with a jaw-dropping parade featuring the Dreamer-in-Chief herself, Dolly Parton.
Dolly Parton Makes Appearance at 2026 Grand Opening
On Friday, March 13, Dollywood opened for the 2026 season after wrapping up the 2025 season in January. The theme park shared this photo of Parton appearing in the opening-day parade on Instagram:
Happy Opening Day from our Dreamer-in-Chief, @dollyparton 🦋
View this post on Instagram
Parton’s presence was particularly notable, as she’s canceled several scheduled performances and appearances in recent months due to ongoing health issues. During the opening-day festivities, the music icon opened up to the crowd about the struggles she’s faced in the last year, including the death of her long-time husband, Carl Thomas Dean.
“I’ve had a few little health issues,” Parton said, adding that she’s been focused on healing “spiritually, emotionally and physically.”
Still, Parton reassured fans that she’s not slowing down anytime soon: “All is good.”
Are you planning a trip to Dollywood for the 2026 season? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!