Hearing the familiar voice of "Little Dolly" in DP's Celebrity Theater was quite a surprise for Dollywood visitors as well as the visiting members of the press. Actress Alyvia Alyn Lind joined Dolly Parton on stage and set the scene for one of Dollywood's biggest announcements in the park's history.
Dollywood, already one of the nation’s premier family vacation destinations, is growing even larger thanks to an impressive expansion. Wildwood Grove, the largest capital investment in Dollywood’s 32-year history, is slated to open in 2019. The new land provides an adventurous journey for guests to explore, imagine and play together as a family. Dolly said,
“I’ve told you before about how I’d let my imagination roam free when I’d be out exploring in the hills around our home in the Smoky Mountains. I’d pretend that the frogs and butterflies were my friends. I’d imagine about what it’d be like to fly with a dragonfly or to follow a bear family through the woods. Now all these things are coming true for our guests to experience in Wildwood Grove; it may be my new favorite part of Dollywood!"
Wildwood Grove features 11 thrilling experiences for guests, comprised of six unique ride attractions—including a suspended family roller coaster called the Dragonflier— the 55 ft. tall Wildwood Tree, live entertainment, various indoor and outdoor play areas for families to enjoy, a new restaurant and more. The total cost for the project is $37 million, meeting The Dollywood Company’s 2013 commitment of $300 million in investments over a 10 year period four years ahead of schedule. Dolly also said,
“This area is going to give families a place to explore, play and imagine together—but more importantly—it’s a place where they can spend more time together,” she explained. “I believe everyone has a song in their heart that needs to be set free. Wildwood Grove will be a place where families can learn together about what their heart song truly is.”
The Dollywood Company President Craig Ross echoed Dolly’s sentiments about how Wildwood Grove provides a range of experiences for every member of the family.
“I think our guests are going to be excited about the diverse combination of attractions they will find in Wildwood Grove,” Ross said. “It continues our commitment to provide guests a variety of unique experiences and attractions that every visitor to the park can enjoy. We’ve also incorporated many of their requests for certain amenities that help make their visit more enjoyable. In Wildwood Grove, you’ll find more charging stations, a climate-controlled indoor space for play, larger respite locations, additional play areas which are more inclusive for everyone, and more entertainment opportunities for every member of the family.”
Dolly and Alyvia closed the event with a beautiful performance of "Tennessee Mountain Home." Alyvia Alyn Lind starred as Little Dolly in "Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors" (2015) and "Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love" (2016).
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Photo Credit: Curtis Hilbun
While Wildwood Grove opens in 2019, Dollywood guests still have great festivals to enjoy during 2018’s Season of Showstoppers. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 28-Nov. 3) features the return of Great Pumpkin LumiNights—which doubles in size in 2018—as well as the largest Southern gospel celebration in the world. The season ends with the 10-time winner for Best Christmas Event, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 10- Jan. 5). This year, Wilderness Pass transforms into Glacier Ridge, a winter wonderland complete with a 50 ft. tall video motion Christmas tree.
For more information about Dollywood, please visit www.dollywood.com, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or download the Dollywood App.
On July 13, the Television Academy announced nominations for the 69th Emmy® Awards. Television Academy Chairman and CEO Hayma Washington along with Anna Chlumsky from the HBO series "Veep" and Shemar Moore from CBS’ "S.W.A.T." hosted the ceremony. "Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle Of Love" is among those recognized by the organization. This second installment of Dolly’s four-movie deal with NBC is nominated for Outstanding Television Movie. Dolly said,
"I am so very proud and excited to have ‘Christmas of Many Colors’ be nominated for an Emmy award. Special thanks to my partner and executive producer Sam Haskell, a wonderful cast and crew, Steve Herek (our producer) and Pamela Long for a great script. And a special thanks to all of the many fans that watched it."
In the two-hour movie, the Partons, a family of humble means living in the mountains of East Tennessee, face a devastating event, challenging their will. But when they experience a bewildering Christmas miracle, the Partons are drawn closer together than ever — with deepened faith and love for one another. Jennifer Nettles, who plays Dolly’s mother in the film, said,
“This project for me was a celebration of the family and the beautiful story of Miss Dolly Parton. Each day I played Avie Lee Parton was a joy. For "Christmas of Many Colors" to be nominated and celebrated further by the Emmy's, thrills me.”
The 69th Emmy Awards will telecast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, CA. Watch on Sunday, September 17 (8:00-11:00 PM ET/5:00-8:00 PM PT) on CBS. Stephen Colbert will serve as host. White Cherry Entertainment will produce the 69th Emmy Awards. Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner are executive producers. Weiss is the director. And Chris Licht, executive producer of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, is a producer.
Here is a list of works nominated alongside "Christmas of Many Colors."
See a full list of Emmy nominees
Alyvia Alyn Lind, Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, and Gerald McCraney co-starred in the holiday movie. The film aired on NBC, with Dolly Parton making a special guest appearance. In addition to the Emmy nomination, "Christmas of Many Colors" earned the Movieguide® Epiphany Prize. The family-focused film also received honors at the 68th Annual Christopher Awards.
This nomination marks Dolly's second Emmy nod. She received her first in 1978. Her appearance on the one-time television special "Cher…Special" earned Dolly a nomination for Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in Variety or Music.
In an interview with Gold Derby’s Chris Beachum, Dolly Parton talks about how she was moved to tears by “Christmas of Many Colors.” She shares her emotional reaction to both NBC movies based on her life.
Shortly before the premiere of the first film, Dolly joined her sister Stella Parton for a private screening. Dolly recalled the overwhelming feelings of nostalgia. She remembers saying,
“How amazing is this to be here holding hands as sisters like when we were little kids, and somebody in the movies playing us... It was very, very moving. Very touching.”
“Coat of Many Colors” (2015) and “Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” (2016) were both ratings smashes for NBC. The cast of stars including Ricky Schroder (Lee Parton), Jennifer Nettles (Avie Lee Parton), Gerald McRaney (Rev. Jake Owens) and Alyvia Alyn Lind (Little Dolly) all delivered moving performances in both films.
Gold Derby reports the network plans repeat airings for many years to come. In addition, the first two films were part of a four movie deal between Dolly and NBC. “Jolene” is said to be the subject of the next release. Unlike the first two, the next film will be based on Dolly’s song rather than her life and will veer from the faith-based, family focused genre. Dolly said,
“Jolene, of course, in the song was a flamboyant girl that was out to steal somebody’s man but she has redeeming qualities.”
Dolly continues the interview by reflecting on receiving awards such as the Kennedy Center Honors, dear friends including Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda and much more.
Gold Derby famously presents four sets of Oscar, Emmy, Grammy and other predictions for comparison and analysis. Visit Gold Derby to make Emmy predictions. Nominees will be announced on July 13.
Video produced by David Janove and Andrew Merrill
Dolly Parton will make a special guest appearance on NBC's "The Voice" on Nov. 29 where she will perform "Circle of Love" with Jennifer Nettles from her new movie set to air the following night. Dolly and the a cappella group Pentatonix will also join Miley Cyrus in a special performance of "Jolene."
Miley Cyrus, Dolly's goddaughter, has enjoyed an exciting season as a coach alongside Blake Shelton, Alicia Keys, Adam Levine and host Carson Daly.
Dolly's appearance on "The Voice" is just part of several guest spots in support of the new film. Dolly will grace the cover of the Nov 27th issue of "Parade" magazine and will have a feature in "US Weekly." She will appear on "The REAL," a daytime syndicated talk show on Nov. 30. Plus, viewers can catch Dolly on "Christmas In Rockefeller Center" which airs on NBC at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST, Nov. 30 just before the world premiere of "Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love."
Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, Gerald McCraney and Alyvia Alyn Lind will co-star in the upcoming holiday movie “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” airing Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. CST with Dolly Parton making a special guest appearance. In the two-hour movie, the Partons, a family of humble means living in the mountains of East Tennessee, face a devastating event that challenges their will. But when they experience a bewildering Christmas miracle, the Partons are drawn closer together than ever — with deepened faith and love for one another.
All photos are courtesy of DollyParton.com.
Dolly Parton reunited with her fellow cast members on the red carpet at Dollywood to celebrate the premiere of Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.
The all-star cast including Dolly Parton, Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, Alyvia Alyn Lind, and many more made their way down the red carpet along Dollywood’s Showstreet. Dolly greeted her fans and members of the media alongside Alyvia Alyn Lind who plays Little Dolly. When asked what the "Little Dolly" inside her would have to say about all the excitement of the night Dolly said,
"I still feel like that little girl, that's why I wanted Little Dolly, little Alyvia Lind, to be with me because it's really kind of like going back in time...I feel like Mama and Daddy is kind of right here with us, and it's very touching, and it's very emotional."
Jennifer Nettles shined as she talked about her role as Avie Lee. As Ricky Schroeder made his way down the red carpet, he shared his excitement to see the new film along with his fellow co-stars. Cameron Jones, a young New Zealand-born actor, was cast as Dolly's Uncle Bill Owens. Cameron joked to reporters about living up to his real-life counterpart's stellar good looks which have been something of a family treasure among the Partons.
Kelli Berglund, Mary Lane Haskell, Hannah Nordberg, Forrest Deal, Blane Crockarell along with many more stars from the film were on hand to pose for photos and talk to reporters from around the country. Several of Dolly's family were also in attendance including her Uncle Bill, many of her brothers and sisters, several nieces and nephews, and other members of her extended family.
The event also drew a few Hollywood A-list stars including Rebecca Romijn and her husband, Jerry O'Connell. Rebecca is a huge Dolly Parton fan, so much so that she named her daughter after Dolly. Little Dolly Rebecca and her sister Charlie Tamara were there sharing their excitement to be at Dollywood for the premiere of the film.
The park was open for general admission attendees as well who were delighted to catch a glimpse of some of their favorite stars from the film. Many of them had stood behind the red velvet ropes for well over four hours in anticipation of Dolly's arrival along with the other stars of the new film.
The Coca-Cola Refresh Team brought the Coca-Cola Polar Bear to make photos for guests in attendance. Coca-Cola also offered special holiday beverage samplings.
Once the red carpet activities commenced, everyone gathered inside Dollywood's Showstreet Palace theater to watch "Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love."
Following the film viewing, the cast and special VIPs enjoyed hor d’oeuvres, desserts and beverages around Dolly’s Chasing Rainbows Museum. Everyone was treated to Dollywood's all new Parade of Many Colors at the end of the night.
Last December, just in time for Christmas, Dolly delighted viewers and critics alike with her deeply heartwarming tale drawn straight from her inspiring real life and music. In the all-new holiday sequel, the Partons, a family of humble means living in the mountains of Tennessee, face a devastating event that challenges their will. But when they experience a bewildering Christmas miracle, the Partons are drawn closer together than ever - with deepened faith and love for one another.
"Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love" airs on November 30 on NBC at 9/8c.
