Dollywood Company temporarily lays off 630 workers due to coronavirus closure

Dollywood Company, Sevier County's largest employer, has temporarily laid off 630 workers as its theme parks sit closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

The temporary layoffs, which took effect Monday, affect employees at Dollywood Theme Park, Dollywood's Splash Country, Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Cabins and Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa, according to a notice filed with the state.

Last week, the company announced in a news release its world-famous tourist attractions were entering "hibernation mode" and would temporarily lay off, or furlough, some of their workers. The company, which employs some 3,000 people, will continue to operate with minimal staff, whose pay will be cut up to 50%, the release stated.

"We know this situation presents employees and their families with immense hardship," the company said. "Every person that works at Dollywood’s Parks or Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa is essential and this decision was not made lightly.

"Furloughing enables us to bring people back to work quickly and maintains healthcare benefits," it continued. "The company is also paying 100% of premiums for people on its healthcare plan for the next few months, to provide additional support."

Dollywood Company took action early on to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, postponing the opening of its parks days before Sevier County had confirmed its first case of COVID-19. On March 23, the company suspended operations at its DreamMore Resort and announced it hoped to reopen in May.

Gov. Bill Lee's stay-at-home order is slated to expire April 30, and many businesses across the state are planning to reopen as soon as next week.

Resuming business at the Pigeon Forge theme park is a bit more complicated, however, and company officials have yet to announce a reopening date.

Jobless claims are at historic high levels due to the coronavirus shutdown.

Nearly 400,000 Tennesseans, almost 6% of the population, have filed unemployment claims in just five weeks. More than 26.4 million U.S. workers have reported losing jobs since March 15 in the economic crash.