"When we saw all the crowds coming in, I thought, 'Oh my goodness,'" Parton told Knox News during a sit-down interview. "It just does my heart good to see that Dollywood has done so well and after 40 years, it just gets better and better and better."

During the event, Dolly shared her appreciation for the outpouring of support she has received from around the world following her husband's

With 40 seasons under Dollywood’s belt, Parton said it is the people who show up every day to enjoy the park that has gotten them this far. “If they don’t come, then you don