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SEVIERVILLE, TENN. (WLOS) — Many fans gathered to honor Dolly Parton in hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee, on the day her death was announced by her family.
She was 80 years old.
Residents in Sevierville say Parton never forgot her roots and that on Aug. 25, they lost one of their own. People spent the day taking photos in front of her iconic statue.
Flowers were placed at its base. It didn’t take long for the flowers to form a large pile, prompting a group of people to come out and started rearranging them.
All afternoon there was a sense of sadness and reverence. While she was a national icon, residents here say they have a special place in their heart for Dolly.
“She was just a wonderful human being, a wonderful human being,” said Rebecca Winters, who was born and raised in Sevierville.
While she didn’t know Dolly Parton personally, Winters says Dolly has left quite a mark on the community.
“I mean giving, giving, giving, giving. She always gave,” said Winters.
Residents told News 13 that Parton helped people who lost their homes during the 2016 fires. And they say Dolly’s nonprofit and the birthing center she raised money for has helped a lot of people.
“My daughter was born at the birthing center. So many of our students got books from the Imagination Library,” said Karen Sunstein a Sevier County resident.
Residents say they were shocked by the news of Parton’s death.
“It’s a hard, hard day for our county,” said David Edwards.
The news was met with mixed emotions.
“We feel sadness, but at the same time, we need to feel joy. We need to feel joy for Dolly. She’s with Carl,” said Roger Keen.
But for some, feeling that joy is harder than others.
“That’s what makes me so sad that she’s gone now,” said Winters.
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