Parton removes ‘Dixie’ from name of dinner show

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Country singer Dolly Parton has discarded “Dixie” from the name of a popular dinner show. From now on, the attraction will simply be known as Dolly Parton’s Stampede.

Parton said in a statement the name change was spurred by changing attitudes and “will remove any confusion or concerns about our shows” as the company that operates the attraction expands into new markets.

World Choice Investments LLC currently operates the Stampede dinner show for Parton in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Branson, Mo.

World Choice spokesman Pete Owens said Parton is referring to shifting attitudes about the word “Dixie” and its connotations.

“It has added to confusion in discussions about the expansion of our dinner theaters to new locations across the country and around the world,” he said in a statement. “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.”

Fans told the newspaper Nelson was coughing and apparently had difficulty breathing. A statement from Ticketmaster said he left the stage early because of an illness.

Nelson, 84, keeps up a rigorous touring and recording schedule. His latest album, “Willie Nelson and the Boys: Willie’s Stash Vol. 2” featuring his sons Lukas and Micah was released last year.