Hundreds of fans, travelers, community members, and road-trippers gathered in Cornersville, Tennessee as Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop officially opened its doors, marking the debut of a first-of-its-kind roadside destination inspired by Dolly Parton's lifelong connection to the open road.
The grand opening celebration featured a surprise appearance from Dolly herself as she officially welcomed guests into the new space and kicked off a week-long celebration filled with special events, entertainment, and giveaways.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration returns with high-energy entertainment, family fun and a patriotic flair as America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday. From a dazzling drone and fireworks spectacular to mouthwatering culinary items and festive Americana-themed décor and merchandise, Dollywood once again becomes the ultimate summer destination.
Inspired by Dolly Parton’s beloved anthem "9 to 5", Dolly launches a new signature coffee brand, Cup of Ambition, in partnership with Community Coffee. Launching with Light, Medium, and Dark roasts, Dolly’s Cup of Ambition is now available at Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop, where guests can be among the first to enjoy the new blends at the coffee shop and throughout the stop. And that’s just the beginning—later this year, Cup of Ambition will be available nationwide in ground and K-Cup® offerings in partnership with Community Coffee.
Now underway through July 31 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony offers more than a concert experience, with tickets available now. Guests receive a commemorative swatch from the fabric of one of Dolly’s iconic dresses, can explore Dolly’s Hall of Fame Gallery featuring a selection of her gold and platinum album awards from the forthcoming Life of Many Colors Museum, shop exclusive merchandise, and enjoy premium themed experiences—including VIP packages, backstage tours, and celebration options for girls’ nights out, bachelorette parties, and families—available every Friday throughout the limited summer series.
If you’re looking for family-friendly entertainment that includes a great meal and plenty of awe-inspiring moments, look no further than Dolly’s Stampede Dolly Parton's Stampede. With breathtaking horse-riding stunts, a patriotic grand finale, and a delicious four-course feast, there's no better place to experience the joy and energy of being in the USA for its 250th anniversary of Independence.
As summer heats up, so do the shows at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, featuring a stunt spectacular awash with memorable moments, thrilling fun, and a tasty four-course feast. An adventurous crew of characters combines heroics and high-flying fun that will have guests cheering and experiencing thrills around every corner in an epic battle for lost treasure on land, on deck, and in the water of the show’s 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon.
The Imagination Library turns a new page this summer as the program marks new milestones in early childhood literacy, inspiring a love of reading in children all over the world. Dolly’s childhood literacy program now gifts over 3.5 MILLION books each month and, as of June 2026, the Imagination Library has gifted over 325 million books to children across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
At Dollywood, the holidays start Saturday, November 1, with the 35th celebration of the park’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, the 15-time winner for Best Theme Park Christmas Event.
With the shimmer and shine of more than 6 million lights, guests will find a captivating winter wonderland where the spirit of the holidays shines brightly and the crisp air is filled with joyous holiday sounds and the scents of delicious Christmas culinary creations.
“When I want to get in the Christmas spirit, all I have to do is close my eyes and remember all the cherished times and stories with my family through the years,” Dolly said. “I’ve found that Christmas at Dollywood has a way of bringing those memories back to life – for me and so many people – by having a way to make new traditions and spend precious time with all the people that we love.
“This year’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is a perfect way to finish the end of our 40th anniversary season – it’s like the star on top of our Dollywood tree! I hope everyone who visits during this special season experiences the love and joy of a traditional Smoky Mountain Christmas. We hope you laugh, love and enjoy the light of the season. Those new memories and family traditions are ones you’ll cherish and share for many years to come.”
Guests are sure to feel the holiday spirit from the moment they walk in the park, thanks to the glow and sparkle of awe-inspiring lighting displays and Christmas trees located around every corner. Wildwood Grove transforms into a snowy winter wonderland with its immersive Snow in the Grove experience. Guests will feel the Christmas magic as snow gently begins to fall upon Wildwood Creek as the Wildwood Tree glows to life every evening. The merrymaking continues as Dollywood’s Christmas characters, Roly and Poly, join in the fun as the snow descends.
Glacier Ridge returns to fill Dollywood’s Timber Canyon, Wildwood Grove, Wilderness Pass and Upper Craftsman’s Valley with an expansive and vibrant arctic display sure to inspire, dazzle and delight guests. The Christmas Reflections lights in Rivertown offer a glow as night descends, where the pond shines brightly as five brilliantly decorated trees shimmer to life with their lights reflecting onto the water below. Country Fair has transformed into a sweet treat as Peppermint Valley features sparkling red and white candy cane lights that will delight kids and kids at heart with their colorful display.
Dollywood’s Merry and Bright! fireworks show returns on select nights to dazzle guests with a sparkling ending to a Christmas-cheer filled Dollywood day. Families can dance and sing along to favorite Christmas songs as the fireworks shine and shimmer above, allowing families to create one last special memory before leaving the park. This holiday fireworks show fills the holiday night sky each Friday and Saturday night from Nov. 28 through Dec. 27. Additional evening performances are added after Thanksgiving and Christmas (Sunday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 28 through Wednesday, Dec. 31).
Dollywood’s beloved entertainment shines on both indoor and outdoor stages, and these holiday performances are nothing short of spectacular. The festival’s family-favorite headline show, “Christmas in the Smokies,” returns to Celebrity Theater and delights guests as it has every year since its debut in 1990. Also back is “Heidi Parton’s A Christmas To Remember” in the Dreamsong Theater, where Dolly’s niece, Heidi, shares songs and stories from her family’s Christmas traditions. Other Dollywood Christmas classics return including “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs,” “O’ Holy Night,” “Appalachian Christmas with the Smoky Mountain String Band” and more.
One of the most unique experiences guests can enjoy at Dollywood for Christmas is Santa’s List... Naughty or Nice? Santa gives visitors a sneak peek into his cozy Smoky Mountain cabin. Families can see him hard at work finalizing this year’s naughty and nice list and even talk with the jolly old elf himself. Santa returns to the North Pole for a well-deserved vacation after Christmas Day, so families wanting to see him shouldn’t wait – his last day looking at his list is on Dec. 23 before his Christmas Eve flight around the world!
Guests will delight in the delicious holiday menu created by Dollywood’s creative culinary experts. From Santa’s Skillet Potatoes to warm holiday stuffing stackers, food enthusiasts will find a variety of tasty items to love. For those with a sweet tooth, Dollywood has a wide array of treats to offer, including a mint chocolate brownie sundae, red velvet hot chocolate, peppermint twist cupcakes, traditional sugar cookies, gingerbread people and so much more.
During the holidays, guests can experience the thrill of Dollywood’s world-class rides, as most attractions are operational during the Christmas season. From these rides, guests can take in the dazzling display of millions of lights shining down below.
For anyone wishing to share the magic of creating cherished family memories, a Dollywood Season Pass is the best gift to give loved ones. Season Passes purchased during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas include free admission to this year’s festival. Guests can purchase their 2026 Season Pass now or upgrade their regular admission ticket on the day of their visit. Ticket purchasers receive credit for the value of a regular one-day ticket toward purchasing a 2026 Season Pass, a year which includes the debut of the exciting NightFlight Expedition.
At a cost of more than $50 million, NightFlight Expedition is the largest attraction investment in the history of Dollywood Parks & Resorts. It is scheduled to open in Spring 2026 and is the first attraction experience of its kind in the world with four unique features combined into one groundbreaking ride sure to delight guests of all ages.
No matter what activities are on the Christmas list this year, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is sure to shine a familiar light on holiday traditions that families will share and cherish for years to come.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana takes place Saturday, Nov. 1 through Jan. 4, 2026. For more information and a park operating calendar, please visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
Eager Dollywood guests no longer have to wonder what’s taking shape inside the sprawling new building in Wildwood Grove, as officials announced NightFlight Expedition, a more than $50 million attraction coming to the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park in 2026. It is the largest attraction investment in the history of Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
NightFlight Expedition, the first attraction experience of its kind in the world, combines four unique features into one groundbreaking thrill ride sure to delight guests of all ages. Created and built by Dollywood, Herschend Creative Studios and esteemed manufacturer Mack Rides, the custom-designed amphibious ride vehicle interacts with vivid multimedia projections, dynamic onboard and offboard audio, as well as special lighting effects, to immerse guests in an extraordinary Smoky Mountain adventure. Mack Rides recently won the 2025 Amusement Today Golden Ticket for Best New Innovation thanks to the ride system utilized in NightFlight Expedition.
Dollywood, Herschend Creative Studios and esteemed manufacturer Mack Rides, the custom-designed amphibious ride vehicle interacts with vivid multimedia projections, dynamic onboard and offboard audio, as well as special lighting effects, to immerse guests in an extraordinary Smoky Mountain adventure. Mack Rides recently won the 2025 Amusement Today Golden Ticket for Best New Innovation thanks to the ride system utilized in NightFlight Expedition.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton and Herschend President and CEO Andrew Wexler made the announcement on Wednesday morning at DP’s Celebrity Theater. Park namesake Dolly Parton—who had a last-minute conflict and was unable to attend the announcement—sent her best wishes and shared her excitement via video.
“I’m just so proud that Dollywood has grown so much in its first 40 years that we’re able to add a ride like NightFlight Expedition,” Dolly said about the attraction. “I have no doubt it’s going to be a huge part of Dollywood’s next 40 years. We’re always trying to take the natural beauty of the Smokies and make it part of everything we’re doing in the park, and they’ve definitely been able to do it with this ride.
“A lot of people ask me about my favorite season in the Smokies, but no one ever asks me what my favorite time of day is. Our new ride sends you out into the mountains at night, which is the time that I think they really come to life! Obviously, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for the synchronous lightning bugs, but I also love to just sit and listen to the owls calling or the frogs croaking, and I love to see the stars sparkling like rhinestones up in the big old sky. It’s pure mountain magic.”
As the world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride, NightFlight Expedition takes Dollywood guests on an unforgettable journey through the Smoky Mountains to search for bioluminescence in the nation’s most-visited national park. During the 5 1/2-minute experience, guests soar on a nighttime flight over the scenic Smokies, enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion through more than 500,000 gallons of surging water, traverse a mountain ridge on a roller coaster, and navigate a mysterious shimmering lake by boat.
Naughton expects the ride’s distinctive nature to generate significant excitement, positioning it as a must-see attraction for families and theme park enthusiasts alike.
“NightFlight Expedition is truly exceptional, combining cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling that stays true to the heart of Dollywood and the Smoky Mountains to deliver an experience unlike anything else,” he explained. “As the largest addition in our history, it not only represents a major milestone for our company, but it also sets a new standard for guest offerings.
“The attraction is designed to engage families with its vivid storytelling and to delight thrill-seekers with its innovative elements. This expansion underscores Dollywood’s ongoing growth and evolution, and we’re proud to be considered among the best theme park experiences in the world. NightFlight Expedition allows us to celebrate our rich Smoky Mountain heritage, while creating a ride that helps us deliver on providing a world-class experience.”
NightFlight Expedition—which features a 39” height requirement—is located inside a 44,000 sq. ft., temperature-controlled facility, allowing it to operate independently of the Smoky Mountain weather. At the heart of the ride’s adventure is the search for Secret Lake, the water source thought to provide Wildwood Grove’s Wildwood Tree with its colorful glowing canopy.
Guests set out on their expedition to find Secret Lake with the help of twin scientists, Cora and Jasper Oakley, who just happen to be the niece and nephew of Wildwood Grove’s resident wilderness explorer, Ned Oakley. The twins, who work out of a hangar at Hidden Hollow Aviation, have invented the Bioluminator, a device designed to detect and amplify bioluminescence, the biochemical emission of light by living organisms. Cora and Jasper mount the device onto their family’s one-of-a-kind amphibious aircraft to illuminate the Wildwood Tree’s glowing roots and follow them to Secret Lake.
NightFlight Expedition is anticipated to open in Spring 2026, so adventurers should begin preparing early to join Cora and Jasper on their journey. In recognition of their loyalty, current 2025 Dollywood season passholders can purchase a 2026 season pass now, the earliest time ever in the history of the park. Current passholders who renew now will be given the opportunity to experience NightFlight Expedition before it opens to the public.
Non-passholders interested in a 2026 season pass can pre-register now through Oct. 5 at Dollywood.com/NewPass. Pre-sales for those registered begin Oct. 13. Season passes go on sale to the public on Nov. 1.
Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season continues with the Harvest Festival presented by Humana (now- Oct. 27) which celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family. Creative culinary items, accomplished artisans and fall fun in the Smokies make this a picture-perfect time to enjoy Dollywood.
Several headline artists visit the park during the festival including Triumphant Quartet (Sept. 15-19), Keith Anderson (Sept. 20-21), The Grascals (Sept. 22-24), Lee Roy Parnell (Sept. 28), Sidewalk Prophets (Sept. 29- Oct. 3), Rhonda Vincent & The Rage (Oct. 5-7; Oct. 13-14), Emily Ann Roberts (Oct. 8-12) and Dailey & Vincent (Oct. 15-19).
The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 1- Jan. 4, 2026)— concludes the park’s 2025 season with six million lights, festive holiday shows and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.
For more information about Dollywood events, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app. For more information about NightFlight Expedition, please visit Dollywood.com/NightFlightExpedition.
Dolly is headed to the Las Vegas Strip with a brand-new limited-run engagement at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace! Dolly: Live in Las Vegas will feature six performances running from December 4 through 13, 2025* during National Finals Rodeo.
*Due to exceptional demand, tickets for this engagement are fully sold out. Sincere thanks to all of Dolly's fans for the enthusiastic response.
Bringing together two giants of American music, the new rendition of “Home Sweet Home” featuring Dolly Parton offers a powerful twist on the 1985 hit. A portion of the proceeds from the single will benefit Covenant House, an organization that provides safe shelter, meals, hope and more to help youth experiencing homelessness.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 14 – Aug. 3) is the ultimate home for the family summer road trip this year. With a 40th anniversary celebration show, an anniversary season-themed drone show and the fun of summer in the Smokies, Dollywood is the place to be!
Celebrate summer and create unforgettable family memories with a visit to Dolly Parton’s Stampede! With two locations in Pigeon Forge, TN, and Branson, MO, you’re in for a treat at this popular dinner show, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to experience the most fun place to eat!
Make your summer vacation one to remember at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show! This dinner show attraction has three locations in Pigeon Forge, TN, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Panama City Beach, FL, and offers an action packed pirate adventure and a four-course feast. There’s no better place to kick off your family vacation!
The Imagination Library celebrates new milestones in early childhood literacy, while continuing its expansion efforts to inspire a love of reading in children all over the world. Dolly’s childhood literacy program now gifts over 3 MILLION books each month and, as of June 2025, the Imagination Library has gifted over 284 million books to children across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
Dolly announced the cast, the music team, and the design team for the upcoming world premiere of Dolly: A True Original Musical as rehearsals commence in Dolly's hometown of Nashville, TN. Preview performances start Friday, July 18 for a Friday, August 8 opening night at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Belmont University. Due to overwhelming demand, the run has been extended with tickets now on sale through Sunday, August 31.
Kendra Scott announces the launch of the second Dolly Parton collection, a celebration of music, fashion, and female empowerment. This latest chapter in their collaboration draws inspiration from Dolly’s iconic song “I Will Always Love You,” honoring her legacy through handcrafted designs infused with heartfelt symbolism and personal storytelling.
Dolly Parton’s Star of the Show: My Life on Stage celebrates her iconic career with 350 rare photos, personal stories, and a comprehensive performance archive. On sale Nov. 11 and available now for pre-order!
Summer is a season of sunshine, growth, and golden memories. As the days stretch long and warm, Dolly reminds us to soak in the simple joys — whether it’s sharing a laugh with loved ones, enjoying the beauty of nature, or humming your favorite tune under the stars. Let this season fill your heart with light, laughter, and a song that carries you through summer.
Sittin' on the front porch on a summer afternoon
In a straight back chair on two legs leaned against the wall
As I watch the kids a-playin' with their June bugs on a string
And chase the glowin' fireflies when evenin' shadows fall
In my Tennessee mountain home
Life is as peaceful as a baby's sigh
In my Tennessee mountain home
Crickets are singing in the fields near by
Love,
Spring is blooming brightly for Dolly, with exciting milestones and meaningful new beginnings at every turn! From launching Dollywood’s vibrant 40th anniversary season and introducing her delightful Dolly Wines Pinot Noir, to announcing the world premiere of Dolly: An Original Musical, this season highlights Dolly’s unwavering spirit and boundless creativity.
Family favorites like Pirates Voyage and Dolly Parton’s Stampede offer thrilling new shows filled with dazzling performances and unforgettable adventures. Amidst these joyful celebrations, Dolly also shares heartfelt reflections honoring the life of her beloved husband, Carl Dean, while marking 30 inspiring years of her Imagination Library.
Dive into everything Dolly has in store this spring!
Dolly kicked off Dollywood’s 2025 season and previewed an exciting year ahead, introducing new touches and reimagined areas of the theme park, and teasing a major new project coming in 2026. The 40th anniversary season begins with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, which runs through April 13 and celebrates Dolly and her unmatched talents through songs, shows and culinary delights.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is ready to make your spring unforgettable with high-flying acrobatics, mermaids, sword fights, and a hearty four-course pirate feast. With locations in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Pigeon Forge, TN, this swashbuckling family adventure offers fun and thrills for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy a high-spirited adventure at the World’s Most Visited Dinner Attraction, complete with daring feats of trick riding, friendly competition and a new segment that brings majestic butterflies and flowers to life. With locations in Branson, MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN, families can enjoy this high-spirited adventure along with a mouth-watering four-course feast!
Dolly has announced Dolly: An Original Musical, a stage show based on her life story, will premiere with a four-week limited run in Nashville starting July 18, 2025, After this special Nashville engagement at Belmont University’s Fisher Center, the production will head to Broadway in 2026. Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting at just $40.
After years of jokingly avoiding the color red (thanks to “Jolene”), Dolly has had a change of heart – this California Pinot earned a 92-point rating and is bursting with red fruit flavors and a hint of vanilla. The Dolly Wines Pinot Noir is available now at leading U.S. retailers in-store and online.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, marking three decades of inspiring a love of reading in children around the world! What began in 1995 as a small program in Dolly’s hometown has blossomed into a global literacy movement, delivering over 270 million free books to kids from birth to age five across five countries.
On March 3, 2025, Dolly’s beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away at age 82. Dolly honors his memory with a stirring new song, "If You Hadn't Been There", a deeply emotional ballad that captures the depth of their love and the profound impact Carl had on her life.
Spring is a season of renewal, hope and new beginnings. As the days grow warmer and the world around us blooms in color, Dolly reminds us to embrace the promise of brighter days ahead – even if we’ve been through some storms. Let this time of year fill your heart with a joyful tune for spring.
It's been a long dark night
And I've been a waitin' for the morning
It's been a long hard fight
But I see a brand new day a dawning
I've been looking for the sunshine
You know I ain't seen it in so long
But everything's gonna work out just fine
And everything's gonna be all right
That's been all wrong
'Cause I can see the light of a clear blue morning
I can see the light of a brand new day
I can see the light of a clear blue morning
Oh, and everything's gonna be all right
It's gonna be okay
Love,
