Fans gather and embrace outside Dolly Parton’s Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park Dollywood.
Fans young and old congregate in front of a statue of Parton on the Sevier County Courthouse lawn.
Bouquets and balloons were ubiquitous in Sevierville, Tennessee.
The connection between Parton and the people who adored her was one more resembling family than artist and fan.
Following news of Parton’s death, fans — and even their pets — were drawn to commune at the statue of Dolly in Sevierville.
At memorials around Tennessee, cards echoing Dolly’s famous message — “I will always love you” — were common.
Fans sported various images of Dolly Parton, including this one of her 1978 Playboy magazine cover.
Fans couldn’t help but show emotion outside of Dollywood and the Sevierville, Tennessee, Courthouse.
Stacey Stiles and Brantley Hart share a moment of reflection near the Dolly Parton statue.
An East Tenessee native said that almost everyone in Sevierville could somehow be traced back to the Partons.
Austin Whitt, who was visiting from out of town when he heard the news.
A man removes his cap to pay respect to Dolly’s memory.
Janiece Stevens and Dea Dolloff were visiting and felt compelled to gather with other Parton fans.
The media outside the Dolly Parton museum the morning after her death.
Liam Ott, Luke Ott, and Melissa Ott all showed up to pay their respects.
Dolly Parton’s death on Tuesday at 80 left fans in mourning.
