Dolly Parton Drops ‘Dixie’ From ‘Stampede’ Dinner Show

Dolly Parton has decided to drop the name “Dixie” from her popular dinner show “Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede” over cultural sensitivity concerts.

DOLLY PARTON DROPS “DIXIE”

From now on, the attraction will be simply called “Dolly Parton’s Stampede.” Parton said in a statement that the name change is a result of changing attitudes on the word “Dixie” and its connotations. “Our shows currently are identified by where they are located,” she said in a release. “Some examples are Smoky Mountain Adventures or Dixie Stampede. We also recognize that attitudes change and feel that by streamlining the names of our shows, it will remove any confusion or concerns about our shows and will help our efforts to expand into new cities.”

World Choice Investments LLC currently operates the dinner show, and spokesman Pete Owens says, “It has added to confusion in discussions about the expansion of our dinner theaters to new locations across the country and around the world.” Further, “Some of our guest comments and comments of developers, in markets around the country with whom we spoke, show a misconception of what our show is. They do not realize the Stampede is a very patriotic, spectacular, horse show with 32 beautiful horses as the stars.” As of Thursday, the marketing changes were already taking effect.

While marketed as a family show, “Dixie Stampede” has gotten criticisms for its romantic treatment of the Civil War. Equestrian performances take place while guests dine, but the show leaves out harsh topics such as slavery and the war’s ghastly death toll.

Many fans were not pleased with the change, and blame Parton for giving in to the so-called “PC police.” “Dolly Parton drops the name ‘Dixie’ because it not PC. Very disappointed in her. I guess Dixie Cups isn’t PC. Should people named ‘Dixie’ be shunned until they change their name? #DollyParton I’m just saying. This may backfire #Dolly,” said one Twitter user. “Bad move @DollyParton ! Dixie stampede should not be messed with!” added another.

Parton has previously stated that she would rather stick to entertaining and not get involved in politics. At last year’s Emmy Awards, she presented on stage with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, both huge critics of Donald Trump. The pair took the opportunity to roast the president, while Parton stayed quiet alongside.