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Dollywood Jeopardy: Dolly Parton Cuts Ties With Company After Gross Illegal Activities Discovered

As Dollywood regains popularity after its sudden closure earlier this week, new information has surfaced about gross illegal activity surrounding the popular theme park.

A large golden sign with the word "Dollywood," with a butterfly logo, stands amidst lush greenery. At the bottom, a stone wall displays the phrase "Enjoy every moment." In the background are trees and a wooded hill, a tribute to Dolly Parton's legacy.
Credit: Dollywood

Dollywood’s Tough Week

Just an hour after welcoming guests on July 17, Dollywood was forced to temporarily close due to a water main break. Dollywood spokesman Pete Owens said the Tennessee theme park “has never had a breach as big as this in (its) history with the park.”

A woman with blonde hair and a red top stands in front of a Dollywood sign that reads: "Dollywood - Enjoy every moment." In the background there is also a sign that reads: "DOLLYWOOD IS CLOSED. Visit Dollywood.com for more information," in honor of the theme park closing at your favorite Dolly Parton destination.A woman with blonde hair and a red top stands in front of a Dollywood sign that reads: "Dollywood - Enjoy every moment." In the background there is also a sign that reads: "DOLLYWOOD IS CLOSED. Visit Dollywood.com for more information," in honor of the theme park closing at your favorite Dolly Parton destination.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Park officials closed Dollywood to ensure the safety of guests and to address the problem. Dollywood maintenance crews, in conjunction with personnel from the city of Pigeon Forge, worked efficiently throughout the night. Their combined efforts resulted in the repair being completed around 2:30 a.m. on July 18, nearly a full day after the incident occurred.

While tickets will remain valid for future visits and refunds will be given to those who are unable to attend, guests who visited Dollywood on July 17 would have missed Big Bear Mountain and Daredevil Falls, as well as the famous cinnamon roll at The Grist Mill.

The Grist Mill: A picturesque, illuminated watermill decorated with white lights is the centerpiece of the nighttime scene at Dollywood. The surrounding trees and nearby buildings are festively lit, creating a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere. The water wheel gently touches a reflecting pool below, adding to the charm of Dolly Parton's park.The Grist Mill: A picturesque, illuminated watermill decorated with white lights is the centerpiece of the nighttime scene at Dollywood. The surrounding trees and nearby buildings are festively lit, creating a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere. The water wheel gently touches a reflecting pool below, adding to the charm of Dolly Parton's park.
Credit: Dollywood

Dollywood has a very open ticket refund and reuse policy, which some guests found refreshing, as other theme parks are not as clear about their operating procedures when incidents like this occur.

It wasn’t the first time this year that the beloved theme park closed its doors to all guests. In May, Tennessee, including Pigeon’s Forge, was hit by heavy storm activity, forcing Dollywood to close its gates at 4 p.m.

An old steam locomotive with a round number plate "192" on the front is railway tracks surrounded by greenery. In the background is a wooden water tower with "Dollywood" is written on it, adding to the charm of Dolly Parton's famous theme park.An old steam locomotive with a round number plate "192" on the front is railway tracks surrounded by greenery. In the background is a wooden water tower with "Dollywood" is written on it, adding to the charm of Dolly Parton's famous theme park.
Credit: Dollywood

Dollywood is facing a new problem after the park closed completely earlier this week.

Dollywood Contractor Arrested

This month, an arrest was made involving a contractor working at the Dollywood theme park resort. The case involves one Angelo McQueen, who has been arrested for child sex crimes.

WVLT reported the news of the arrest: “INTERPOL Washington learned that McQueen was suspected of committing sex crimes against a minor in his native Bahamas,” officials revealed. “Authorities also suspected that McQueen had abducted his biological daughter and brought her to the United States.”

Dolly Parton, blonde hair and a black outfit, stands inside, smiling broadly. They lean against a wooden railing in front of a large window with colorful, abstract stained glass panels above. The room has exposed wooden beams and a high ceiling.Dolly Parton, blonde hair and a black outfit, stands inside, smiling broadly. They lean against a wooden railing in front of a large window with colorful, abstract stained glass panels above. The room has exposed wooden beams and a high ceiling.
Credit: Dollywood, X

WVLT reports that “during the investigation, it was determined that McQueen was living in Pigeon Forge, and that authorities subsequently “contacted the USMS Smoky Mountain Fugitive Task Force Eastern District of Tennessee, the USMS Missing Child Unit, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.”

WVLT explains that ICE (United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement) became involved after officials discovered McQueen was violating his visa.

“During his arrest on July 5, officers located three minors at a hotel at 4025 Parkway. The minors were turned over to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services,” the report concluded.

A night sky shows a dazzling butterfly shape created by colorful lights. Below, a vibrant crowd gathers around a glowing, artistically lit tree and illuminated structures, reminiscent of Dolly Parton’s Dollywood. The scene reflects a festive outdoor event with vibrant decorations and attendees enjoying the atmosphere.A night sky shows a dazzling butterfly shape created by colorful lights. Below, a vibrant crowd gathers around a glowing, artistically lit tree and illuminated structures, reminiscent of Dolly Parton’s Dollywood. The scene reflects a festive outdoor event with vibrant decorations and attendees enjoying the atmosphere.
Credit: Dollywood

Dollywood released the following statement to WVLT News:

“The subject was an employee of APDC Cleaning Services, Inc. (APDC), a third-party staffing service that recruits and hires international workers. APDC was responsible for the background and work authorization checks of its employees assigned to Dollywood,” the statement said.

“He was assigned to a back-of-house position at Dollywood, but was not working at the time of his arrest,” the spokesperson continued. “Dollywood has terminated its business relationship with APDC and will be disassociating itself from all other APDC contract workers assigned to the park effective August 9. Any further information or questions regarding the subject should be directed to APDC or law enforcement.”

A person with long, blond hair, reminiscent of Dolly Parton, wearing a colorfully patterned blazer and black gloves, smiles broadly while holding a microphone. The background shows dark scenery with leaves.A person with long, blond hair, reminiscent of Dolly Parton, wearing a colorfully patterned blazer and black gloves, smiles broadly while holding a microphone. The background shows dark scenery with leaves.
Credit: Dollywood

Dollywood’s American Legacy

Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is a famous theme park co-owned by country music legend Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment.

Opened in 1986, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. The 160-acre park offers a unique blend of traditional theme park attractions and Southern Appalachian culture. In some ways, it is even more coveted than the Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida.

Dolly Parton in a sparkly white outfit stands with her arms outstretched in front of the Dollywood sign. The background shows trees with autumn leaves and a stone wall below the sign that reads "Dollywood" with the slogan "Enjoy every moment." Dolly Parton in a sparkly white outfit stands with her arms outstretched in front of the Dollywood sign. The background shows trees with autumn leaves and a stone wall below the sign that reads "Dollywood" with the slogan "Enjoy every moment."
Credit: Inside the Magic

Related: Dollywood Drops Bomb, Announces “Disney Florida Level” Expansion

The park features a variety of attractions, including thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides and water rides at the adjacent water park, Dollywood’s Splash Country.

Popular attractions include the Lightning Rod, a wooden roller coaster known for its speed and intensity, and the Wild Eagle, the first wing coaster in the United States.

A colorful Dollywood roller coaster full of eager riders glides down a steep wooden track, surrounded by lush green trees, on a sunny day with a blue sky and mountains in the background.A colorful Dollywood roller coaster full of eager riders glides down a steep wooden track, surrounded by lush green trees, on a sunny day with a blue sky and mountains in the background.
Credit: Dollywood

Dollywood also offers live entertainment, with numerous shows and musical performances showcasing local talent and celebrating the region’s cultural heritage.

In addition to rides and entertainment, Dollywood is known for its seasonal festivals and events. The park hosts the Harvest Festival, featuring the Great Pumpkin LumiNights, and Smoky Mountain Christmas, where the park is transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of lights and holiday-themed shows. These events greatly enhance the visitor experience, making Dollywood a year-round destination.

A large, pink butterfly-shaped plate with "Doll" written in italics in the center. Overlapping text reads "The Dolly Parton Experience" next to a small butterfly illustration. A building with an ornate white facade appears in the background, evoking the charm of the Dollywood theme park.A large, pink butterfly-shaped plate with "Doll" written in italics in the center. Overlapping text reads "The Dolly Parton Experience" next to a small butterfly illustration. A building with an ornate white facade appears in the background, evoking the charm of the Dollywood theme park.
Credit: Dollywood

Related: American Treasure Dolly Parton Suspends Public Appearances Indefinitely

Dollywood also places a strong emphasis on Southern cuisine, offering a variety of dining options that highlight traditional Appalachian fare. The park’s culinary offerings include its famous cinnamon rolls, barbecue, and other regional specialties.

Dollywood’s dedication to hospitality, culture and entertainment makes it a unique and beloved destination that reflects Dolly Parton’s vision and passion for her home region. Recently, the ultimate celebration of the American treasure opened in the form of The Dolly Parton Experience.

What do you think about this Dollywood employee’s arrest? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!