PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood opened its Labor Day weekend on Friday with the debut of a memorial waterfall and new park character honoring founder Dolly Parton, weeks after her death. Fans gathered across the Tennessee resort to pay tribute.

Dollywood announced the plans in early September, eight days after Parton's passing, describing the additions as lasting tributes to the singer it calls its "Dreamer-in-Chief." The waterfall feature and character will become permanent fixtures alongside existing exhibits documenting Parton's life and career.

The holiday weekend traditionally ranks among Dollywood's busiest, and the park anticipated heightened attendance as visitors sought to mark the loss of the East Tennessee icon. Guests laid flowers and left handwritten notes at tribute areas near the park's museum.

Parton, who co-founded the park in 1986, remained deeply tied to the region and its tourism economy, employing thousands across Dollywood properties. The Dollywood Foundation, which runs her Imagination Library book program, said it would continue her literacy work as part of her legacy.

"Dolly built this place on dreams, and we intend to keep those dreams alive for every guest who walks through our gates," a Dollywood spokesperson said in a statement released ahead of the weekend.