Hersheypark Addresses Backlash Over ‘Tactless’ Ticket Prices Post After Dolly Parton’s Death
Hersheypark said it removed the reply and apologized after fans called the post insensitive, as Dollywood said it would stay open in Parton’s honor.
- On Tuesday, August 25, Hersheypark faced backlash after its social media account replied to a user praising Dollywood's pricing with, "Our summer tickets are $49.99," immediately following news of Dolly Parton's death at age 80.
- An X user initially praised Dollywood for keeping "prices reasonable in this economy," but Hersheypark's intervention to advertise its own rates was perceived as insensitive given the timing of Parton's passing.
- Responding to backlash, Pennsylvania-based Hersheypark apologized on Wednesday, August 26, stating a team member intended to correct pricing information privately, "not realizing the reply would appear as a response."
- Honoring Parton's wish that "the show must go on," Dollywood president Eugene Naughton and executives kept the Tennessee destination open for guests following the founder's death.
- Parton founded the park in 1986 to boost the local economy of the Smoky Mountain region, and the attraction recently earned a 2025 induction into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Hersheypark Addresses Backlash Over ‘Tactless’ Ticket Prices Post After Dolly Parton’s Death
Pennsylvania’s Hersheypark theme park has responded to backlash over an ill-timed social media post following the death of Dolly Parton. “We join the millions mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, whose generosity, talent and spirit touched so many,” a park spokesperson told People in a statement on Wednesday, August 26. “A member of our social […]
Hersheypark Forced to Explain ‘Insensitive’ Reply Following Dolly Parton’s Death
The death of Dolly Parton has prompted an enormous outpouring of grief from fans, celebrities, businesses, and theme park communities around the world. For Dollywood, the loss is particularly personal. Parton was not simply the namesake of the Tennessee theme park. She was a longtime co-owner, creative force, and the person whose vision helped transform the destination into one of the most recognizable theme parks in the United States. Credit: D…
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