ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. — Dolly Parton and her brother Randy Parton broke ground Friday on an entertainment complex planned for northeastern North Carolina.

Thousands of people showed up for the event Friday morning near Interstate 95.

"I'm so excited to be here in support of Randy -- I think it's a wonderful thing you're doing here in North Carolina," Dolly Parton said.

Randy Parton plans to operate the project, which officials hope will be the first of a number of similar operations in the region. The groundbreaking Friday was for the Randy Parton Theater and the Carolina Crossroads Music and Entertainment District.

Dolly Parton said that when the theater is built she would perform, but joked that she wasn't sure how often. "I have no idea (how often)," Dolly Parton said. "As much as Randy will pay me."

Randy Parton said that the groundbreaking was successful.

"Things went well and the turnout was wonderful," Randy Parton said. "It helps to have your family near you."

Grand Ole Opry members Jeannie Seely, Jim Ed Brown and others were scheduled to attend the groundbreaking ceremony, along with Dolly Parton and sisters Stella, Rachel and Cassie.