Dolly Parton fans pay tribute to late singer
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (CBS, KYMA) - Dolly Parton loved her fans, no matter who they were, and now, they're paying tribute, including at her theme park, Dollywood, in East Tennessee.
"A member of my family is gone. There's a piece of my heart gone," said Jodie James, a Parton fan.
In Parton's home state of Tennessee, fans are paying tribute to a legend who they say felt more like family.
"Seeing that she never forgot where she came from has been absolutely amazing," said Kelly Newton, another Parton fan.
"She never thought twice about giving of herself and her wealth and everything she owned," said Karen Zimmerman, another Parton fan.
At Dolly's Travel Stop in Cornersville, site of her final public appearance at its June grand opening, co-owner Gregory Sachs remembered his friend and business partner.
"She has always made me feel like I'm the only person in the room at the moment," Sachs expressed.
Thousands of miles away, fans at her Hollywood star in california are remembering the example she set by refusing to be anyone but Parton.
"She taught me how to just to be myself, how to just have fun and don't care what people think," said Kitten Kay Sera, another Parton fan.
Her fans matched that colorful authenticity with their tributes.
"I brought her some pink flowers. it felt appropriate because she was our little Barbie - our little Backwoods Barbie," said Zoe Sabransky, a Los Angeles resident.
In New York, outside the theater set to host her Broadway musical, fans are also remembering the late singer.
"She was a national treasure...it's so sad to see her go," said Margaret Somerhof, another Parton fan.
"It's a very sad day for country music, for music in general, because she was one of the greatest that ever lived," said Joe Havens, a New York resident.
As much as fans loved Parton, she said she always loved them even more.
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to take my music all around the world and to see my dreams come true. Just know this from the bottom of my heart: I will always love you," Parton expressed.
Dollywood will be open to welcome guests Wednesday, with the theme park saying, "Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope."
