Photos provided by Curtis Hilbun
Dolly Parton welcomed Dollywood season passholders and members of the media during a special preview day event on March 11, setting the tone for what will be a thrilling 2022 at the Pigeon Forge park. With new festival elements throughout the year and a number of projects throughout the property designed to enhance the guest experience, Dollywood’s 37th season is on track to be one of its best.
Dolly updated the assembled media and guests about several of her latest projects, shared a special video look at the season ahead, and was even “put inside a bubble” by Melody Yang whose “Gazillion Bubble Show: Aurora” will return to the park during Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 18 - August 7). Dolly finished the event by sharing “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans,” one of the songs from her new album “Run, Rose, Run,” which accompanies the book she co-authored with James Patterson by the same name.
“I can’t believe it’s been two years since the last time we’ve been together here at Dollywood,” Dolly shared. “I’ve missed seeing everyone, but I can promise you I’ve been staying busy and working a lot more than ‘9 to 5.’ And all of our guests have certainly been keeping everyone here at Dollywood busy the last two years, and I want to thank everybody who has visited for their support the last two years.
“Dollywood and the Smokies truly are a special place, and I’m just proud that so many people are wanting to come to these beautiful mountains to experience all of God’s beauty and find out why this area has become so popular. Once they come, they might just not want to leave my Smoky Mountain home!”
Park guests probably noticed several new sights as they toured the park, with many projects undertaken simultaneously during what was a very busy off season. Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company, is eager for guests to enjoy everything the park has to offer this year.
“Our teams have worked so hard over the off season on all these projects, but we believe they’re going to notice an improvement immediately. While they aren’t headline-grabbing projects like a new attraction or resort, the work we’ve done through the off season plays a pivotal role in the guest experience.
“During the last two years we’ve placed a lot of focus on those things that you might not immediately think about in terms of affecting someone’s visit, but once our guests see them, they tell us they are the things that really make a difference. For example, as soon as guests drive into the reconfigured parking complex, they are going to see how we’ve implemented a number of changes designed to provide a more efficient entry and exit process. Across our properties we’ve selected the things that are crucial for guest experience and park infrastructure in general.”
The main change guests will see is in the new parking complex—highlighted by the swapping of the guest traffic lanes with the tram lanes—which removes previous points of intersection between the two. The multi-property parking complex now employs a one-way circuit which eliminates the two-way traffic pattern of the old parking lot layout. Also, the addition of two extra parking toll booths (four attendants), as well as more staging lanes for the toll booths, will result in a reduction of time spent waiting to enter the property. The Dollywood Emporium also receives a complete renovation, providing a modern shopping experience as guests look to find unique Dollywood keepsakes.
As guests have continued to ask for more spacing in the park, two buildings have been removed to allow for wider walkways —the former Eagle Shop, part of the second phase of the Craftsman’s Valley widening project, and the former Christmas Cottage in Rivertown Junction. Additionally, the tunnel connecting lower Craftsman’s Valley to The Village has been removed, with the final result providing guests a location to spread out—perhaps while enjoying a loaf of cinnamon bread from the nearby Grist Mill—and have an up-close and unobstructed view of the Dollywood Express as it passes by.
Dollywood’s 37th season is one of excitement thanks to returning guest favorites, new experiences to enjoy and the fun of one of America’s best theme parks.
From now until April 15, park guests can enjoy some of the region’s most engaging performers and songwriters during a five-week schedule of acoustic performances in the Pines Theater. Artists like The Young Fables (March 14 & 16), Teea Goans (March 25 & 26), Monroeville (April 6 & 8), and more make up this new entertainment offering.
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health (April 22- June 5) delights guests with hundreds of thousands of brilliant flowers, truly bringing spring in the Smokies alive throughout the park. In 2022, this event blooms with even more fun and discovery around every corner, thanks to several new larger-than-life Mosaicultures floral sculptures. Returning guest-favorite Mosaicultures include the butterfly umbrella, various animal scenes and Dolly’s mother sewing together the Coat of Many Colors. Guests again are greeted by a stunning visual upon arrival, as hundreds of colorful umbrellas are suspended above Showstreet to create a dazzling “Umbrella Sky.” In addition to the beautiful flowers, a wide-selection of culinary creations abound to delight guests’ taste buds with a menu full of items inspired by spring in the Smokies. This event was named the inaugural winner of the IAPPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) Brass Ring Award for Best New Food and Beverage Festival or Special Event in 2021.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 18 - August 7) is a festive summertime event that features unique family experiences that can only be found in the heart of the Smokies. With extended operating hours each evening, families can ride Dollywood’s world-class roller coasters, including Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle, all day and well into the night.
After rave reviews following its debut in 2021, Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights—a first-of-its-kind within the industry—returns with a show that combines hundreds of high-tech drones with a world-class fireworks show to put an exclamation point on the evening. During the day, guests also can enjoy one of the most popular Dollywood shows of all time, Gazillion Bubble Show: Aurora. This awe-inspiring show promises to leave every child and child-at-heart with a smile on their face, thanks to “gazillions” of bubbles and guest interactions that make up every performance. New and unique elements throughout the park enhance the summer fun for guests with new decor elements like the all-new Kite Sky, unexpected splash and play elements, colorful kids play activities in The Village, a bubble foam party in Wilderness Pass, and an unparalleled and interactive art installation that invites guests to spin on life-size tops in Wildwood Grove.
Dollywood’s Rock the Smokies returns August 27 with performances throughout the park by several of contemporary Christian music’s biggest names. By combining all the adventure of a day at the park with great music, Dollywood has crafted a unique event packed with fun for all ages. A ticket purchase includes admission to Dollywood, with discounts available for groups, season passholders and guests who order tickets early. Artists and additional details will be announced at a later date.
A tradition for many families, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (September 23 - October 29) celebrates the beauty of fall in the Smokies with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented artists and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which previously has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that create the picture-perfect photo op for families to enjoy. New in 2022, guests will have a hoot in Craftsman’s Valley as it transforms into Hoot Owl Hollow with owl-themed displays both in the park and suspended in the trees above.
It has earned one of the industry’s highest awards—the Golden Ticket—for 13 years, and once guests enter the gates, they understand why Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Novemver 5, 2022 - January 1, 2023) is the perfect place to get in the Christmas spirit. Wander through the park’s more than five million holiday lights, enjoy the festive holiday performances and warm Christmas atmosphere or taste the holiday-themed food, and it is easy to see why it has become a family tradition for so many.
With so much new to experience in 2022, it is the perfect season for a Dollywood season pass. To accommodate the ever-evolving needs of Dollywood guests, a new season pass structure featuring several new pass types has been created to allow more options for visitors to tailor their experience.
The Dollywood Silver Season Pass starts at $149 and includes two Bring-a-Friend Free tickets and a discount on Dollywood lodging. For just $55 more, guests can opt for the Dollywood Gold Season Pass. Prices go up after March 20. The Gold Pass—which is priced $30 less than a 2021 Gold Season Pass—represents a tremendous value for guests thanks to Saturday Early Ride Time for the passholder, four Bring-A-Friend Free tickets, and discounts on dining, merchandise, and lodging. In addition, the Gold Pass provides free parking, various other discounts and access to special “Golden Events,” exclusive events just for Gold and Diamond passholders. Only the named passholder can receive the perks associated with each pass type. Diamond Season Passes, which provide a premium experience for guests, have already sold out for the 2022 season.
Gold and Diamond Pass Holders can take advantage of another exciting new perk created for the 2022 season, Dollywood’s new daily “Golden Hours.” During the first hour of each operating day, Gold and Diamond Season Passes will operate just like TimeSaver passes, allowing the named passholder expedited boarding on Dollywood’s world-class rides and attractions.
For more information about Dollywood’s 2022 season, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
Musical icon Dolly Parton teamed up with world-renowned bestselling author, James Patterson, to write her first-ever novel. “Run, Rose, Run” is a fiction thriller about a young singer-songwriter on the rise and on the run, determined to do whatever it takes to survive. The highly-anticipated novel is now available for purchase, along with the companion album. Dolly and James are embarking on a virtual book tour in support of the new releases.
Dolly Parton and James Patterson have launched a virtual book tour to celebrate the release of their novel, “Run, Rose, Run.” The tour began streaming live Sunday, March 6, with the exclusive “Run, Rose, Run” Virtual Book Launch Event, sponsored by the American Booksellers Association in support of independent booksellers. Other virtual engagements will be organized through major booksellers, including Books-A-Million, Indigo, Waterstones, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AARP Book, now through Friday, March 25.
Wednesday, March 9
BOOKS-A-MILLION VIRTUAL EVENT
2:00 PM PT/5:00 PM ET
INDIGO VIRTUAL EVENT
4:00 PM PT/7:00 PM ET
Thursday, March 10
FANE ONLINE VIRTUAL EVENT (UK)
1:30 PM ET/6:30 PM GMT
Wednesday, March 16
AMAZON LIVE VIRTUAL EVENT
1:30 PM PT/4:30 PM ET
BARNES & NOBLE VIRTUAL EVENT
3:00 PM PT/6:00 PM ET
Friday, March 25
AARP BOOKS VIRTUAL EVENT
3:00 PM PT/6:00 PM ET
Your ticket includes admission to the exclusive event and a hardcover copy of “Run, Rose, Run” ($30 retail price), as well as sales tax, shipping, and handling (if applicable). Visit jamespatterson.com/events for attendance information and to purchase tickets.
Dolly’s latest album, “Run, Rose, Run,” is available now on all digital streaming platforms and as a digital download, as well as on CD, standard vinyl and some special vinyl color variants. The album serves as a companion to the original novel, “Run, Rose, Run,” which Dolly co-authored with James Patterson.
Exclusive “Run, Rose, Run” merchandise, created for Dolly’s latest album and book release, is available now. Each item complements the story and music as told by Dolly Parton. Get Dolly’s new album “Run, Rose, Run” and order the novel today.
James Patterson is known around the world as one of the greatest authors of all time. With over 100 books on the New York Times Best Sellers list, it’s no wonder Dolly Parton was thrilled to receive a personal invitation from James to co-author a novel with him.
These two creative geniuses have combined their talents to bring us something incredibly special. In this interview, James tells us about the writing process and shares what it was like to collaborate with the world’s most beloved entertainment icon on “Run, Rose, Run.”
You have written well over 100 New York Times bestsellers, and you’re widely known as one of the most diverse writers of our time. What was your inspiration for this particular book?
I’d always admired what Dolly does to get people reading–adults and kids. Dolly’s also a gifted storyteller. Every one of her songs is a story. I thought we’d make a good team. As it turned out–I was right. I’m enjoying being on Team Dolly.
Did you develop the plot or the characters first?
I don’t think you can separate the plot and the characters. Dolly and I developed both in layers, or drafts. The plot kept getting thicker, and the characters kept getting more complex and interesting. I think readers are going to really enjoy our book.
Who is your favorite character in Run, Rose, Run?
It would have to be a tie between Ruthanna and AnnieLee. Ethan wouldn’t be far behind. One of my rules is that you have to be incredibly involved with your heroes–and really despise the villains.
What was it like to collaborate with one of the world’s most beloved superstars, and what was your favorite part about the process?
My joke about Dolly and everyone who works with her is that they’re incredibly nice, incredibly smart and relentless. Man, do I love that. My grandmother used to say, ‘Hungry dogs run faster.’ I think Dolly and I are hungry, in a good way.
What is your typical process for co-authoring a book?
I don’t have a “typical” process for co-authoring, but it usually starts with a long outline, which goes through several drafts. One of my jokes is that the other author and I alternate words. The one thing that always holds true is that the co-authors and I work really hard to make the best book we can. I know that’s what happened with “Run, Rose, Run.”
You and Dolly share a passion for literacy. You are known for campaigning to make books and reading a national priority. When was this passion ignited in you, and how has it affected your approach to writing?
Whenever I appear at a school or conference for librarians or teachers, I’ll say 'I’m here to save lives.' That’s what happens when you get kids reading at grade level. It gives them a chance to finish high school and go to college, if that’s appropriate, and get a better job when they get older. My mom was a teacher, and she always told the kids at school that she was there to help them look through windows, not look in mirrors.
Has music been an integral part of your life?
Yes, indeed. I like country, but I’m a rock n’ roll junkie. I was actually at Woodstock–and I was an usher for nearly two years at the Fillmore East. When I was at Vanderbilt, I also spent a few evenings at the original Grand Ole Opry.
When did you start writing?
I think when I was a year and a half. But you probably mean when did I start writing stories. I think I started composing them in my head when I was four or five. I started writing them down on paper when I was fourteen or fifteen.
Who has been the most influential person in your life with regard to your love of writing?
About a thousand unbelievably talented novelists and non-fiction writers who I’ve read–but in particular, my grandmother. She told me I could do anything I wanted to do–except maybe play basketball in the NBA. Actually, she didn’t say ‘maybe.’
Both you and Dolly are philanthropists. Is there a charity or cause that you are especially passionate about?
I concentrate on charities that help kids become better readers, help bookstores to survive and help students who want to be teachers get through school without too much debt.
Now available for pre-order, the “Run, Rose, Run” novel will be published simultaneously in hardcover, ebook and audiobook and will release on March 7. The album, also available for pre-order, is slated for a March 4 release.
Dolly Parton is truly one of the most diverse creatives of our time. She’s a quintessential dreamer who simply never stops reaching for the stars and somehow always manages to sprinkle stardust on her faithful following of ardent fans. Dolly doesn’t just dream big dreams for herself. The beauty of who she is and what she does is that she brings us all along on her magical journey.
So when world-renowned author, James Patterson, reached out to her about collaborating with him on a novel, Dolly did what she does best. She created another work of art for us to treasure. We sat down with her for a Q&A to give you a behind-the-scenes look into the amazing collaboration on the forthcoming book, “Run, Rose, Run,” that she and James are releasing into the world on March 7.
We know how passionate you are about literacy. Your children’s book, Coat of Many Colors, is a favorite among children enrolled in your Imagination Library book gifting program, but you’ve also written autobiographical and inspirational books for adults. Was it a dream for you to write a novel, and how did this project come about?
The way this came about, James Patterson called me out of the blue and asked if I would like to write a book with him. I thought, 'What in the world does James Patterson need me for? He's doing all right.' I told him, "Well, I don't know...I've never thought about it. I've read all of your books but have never thought about writing one with you. What would it be about?" He said, "Well, let's get together and we'll figure something out." So he flew to Nashville, and we visited for a long time. We realized we liked each other a lot. I told him I couldn't be involved in anything that I'm not personally very involved in. I don't want to just put my name on something and it not be something I've really contributed to. He said he had always thought about writing a book about Nashville, which I do know something about. So we came up with the idea of what it would be about. He went back home and started writing, and I started thinking about it. We exchanged ideas and before we knew it, we had a book going, and now we have a novel.
Did you draw any inspiration from your own musical journey when writing this book?
I had to draw a lot of inspiration from my own musical journey, with all of the ups and downs, the heartaches, the tears and the joys. I've been at it a long time and been through it all. So yes, I drew a lot from my own musical journey.
How did you come up with the title?
Well, I did not come up with the title. We kicked around so many different titles. I'd have a few and he'd had a few. One day he called and said "What do you think about 'Run, Rose, Run'?" I said, "Wow, I love it." She's on the run, and you realize that AnnieLee Keys is actually Rose McCord, thus the title is "Run Rose Run.” To me, I thought that was absolutely a great title.
Which of the characters do you relate to most, and why?
I relate to both of the characters, the young AnnieLee Keys(Rose McCord) and Ruthanna Ryder, who is the older person and is just kind of who I am now, with my own career and mentoring people, writing, having my own studio and not touring. There are a whole lot of similarities in both of those characters for me.
How did co-authoring a book compare to co-writing a song? Were there any similarities?
Any time you work with anybody, whether it's a song or book, it's a very creative process. You have to think about the subject matter; where this should land and where that should land. So it's very similar, but you just don't have to rhyme so much. Your mind is allowed to be a little freer as you go, because you don't have to keep it down to two and a half minutes for radio or that sort of thing. So you have more freedom in writing a book than you do a song.
What was it like to co-author a novel with the iconic James Patterson?
It was amazing. James Patterson, as we all know, is one of the greatest writers of all time. I was honestly kinda floored—and flattered—when James asked me to work with him. And it was fun. When he came down to my little place at my office the first time we met, when I saw him get out of the car and come up to my doorstep, I thought ‘I like this person.’ You know how you just know if a person feels right? You just get a feeling or some sort of aura about everybody. I thought, ‘He's so relaxed, so smart, so at peace, so in control of who he is.’ And I felt there was no BS about him...even though he is fun and has a crazy sense of humor like me. So we have really wound up being good friends. I am sure we'll always be in touch long after this book.
You teamed up with Kelsea Ballerini and a stellar cast to record the audio book. How did that come about?
I love Kelsea Ballerini. Usually if I've written a book, I'll read the whole thing myself. But we thought 'Wouldn't it be great to have the characters take on their own personality?' I read the Ruthanna—the older woman—part. Then we thought, ‘Who should we get to read the AnnieLee Keys/Rose character?’ Of course, Kelsea's name came up, and we all said ‘YES!’ She's very sweet, and I thought that was a good call.
Tell us about the 12-song companion album that is releasing simultaneously with the book. Did you know from the beginning you wanted to release a companion piece, or was it an idea that came organically during the process of writing the novel?
Early on, when I started writing with James and, of course, we couldn't be together every day, we had phone calls and exchanged emails and all the ways you work when you're older people like us. He would send me ideas, and I'd send him my thoughts. I thought, 'I bet I can contribute to this more by writing a lot of my thoughts about the characters and their situations in a song.’ So I started writing songs and sending them to him. He said “Wow, this is a great idea. I can expand on the characters and get more in-depth on who they are and what they're actually thinking from a woman's point of view, especially the AnnieLee and Ruthanna songs.” And the male character, Ethan, I know him, because I hung out with all of these guys in the music business—Porter, Kenny, Merle Haggard and all the greats. I've been in it a long time, so I related to all of these characters. I thought, 'I can write songs for all of them.’ So I started doing that, and James loved it. Then I thought, 'Wow, this is a really good album. I can put these songs in an album. Nobody's ever really done a soundtrack for a book that I know of.' So I thought it would be a great vehicle for promotion and marketing to have both of them come out together. James and I have a very strong publicity and marketing department, plus the publishing company. Everybody got on board, and we've really made it work for us, I think. I'm excited about that. You can listen to the album and know what the book is about. And if you read the book and listen to the songs, you really completely know what it's all about and kinda link them. It's kind of a little fun thing all on it's own, something different.
Your breadth of writing is unparalleled, from songs to Broadway musicals to movies to books. Can we expect more novels like this from you in the future?
I really don't know. I had always thought that I would write novels, but I thought it would be when I was older. Then I realized I am older. (HA!) So I don't know. It will depend on how things go. I'm a creative writer, and the spirit has to hit me on what I'm going to write about, but it's certainly not off the table. I don't know if I'll write another one with James. I think once is enough for something that great, but I'm not saying we won't. But we do think this is going to turn into a movie, so we'll be working together for years just on this one book. Whether or not I write another novel depends on how smart I am when I am older. If my mind will do it, I might.
Both you and James are known as philanthropists and giving plays a central role in who you are. Tell us about your beloved Imagination Library and how it all began.
As you know, I am very involved in a lot of things. I am proudest of the Imagination Library. Most people know how it started, I know you do, but for those who don't, the Imagination Library is a program where we send books to children once a month from the time they're born until they start school. They get the book in their mailbox with their name on it. They learn to love to read and love books. It's a wonderful thing. I think it's so important, because what inspired that was my own Dad, who couldn't read nor write. It was the same for many of my relatives from the mountains who didn't get a chance to go to school, because they had to work hard and help provide for their families. Plus, the schools were sometimes miles away, and they were usually one room schools. So a lot of people didn't get an education. My Daddy was so smart, but that always embarrassed him and kinda crippled him in a weird sort of way. That always troubled me, because he was so smart and I loved him so much. So when we started the Imagination Library, I thought, ‘I'm gonna get Daddy in on it and let him feel important.’ So I would take him with me and involve him in any way I could. He lived long enough to see the Imagination Library doing good. I'm a person of faith, so I believe there's life on the other side. So I just always know when all of those great things happen with the Imagination Library and it gets so much publicity, I feel like Mama and Daddy are looking down and trying to help bless my work. I don't know what all of James' inner feelings are about charities, but I'm sure he has many of them as well, based on some sort of truth and personal emotion. I will always try to do my best. I believe that when you are in a position to help, you should help.
Now available for pre-order, the “Run, Rose, Run” novel will be published simultaneously in hardcover, ebook and audiobook and will release on March 7. The album, also available for pre-order, is slated for a March 4 release.
Dolly Parton has given fans another taste of her upcoming "Run, Rose, Run" album, with the release of her latest single, "Blue Bonnet Breeze," in conjunction with the track's whimsical lyric video. This is the second song to be released from the upcoming album, following the release of "Big Dreams and Faded Jeans" last month. The highly-anticipated recording, available March 4, serves as a companion to Dolly's first novel, "Run, Rose, Run," co-authored with James Patterson, which releases on March 7. Dolly shared,
"I came up with the idea for 'Blue Bonnet Breeze' because two of the characters decide to begin working together on a song. I thought, what song would that be? What song would they write? So, I just chose a Romeo and Juliet kind of story and made the music very slow, very emotional, and it's actually one of my very favorites from this album. It could be a movie of its own!"
“Run, Rose, Run” marks the first time a #1 bestselling author and an entertainment icon have collaborated on a book and an album. The album enhances the novel, with twelve original songs written by Dolly that tie into the story line, making for a unique experience that only she could create. In celebration of the book's release, Dolly and James recently announced that they will be kicking off a Virtual Book Tour on March 6, with tickets available for purchase online.
Dolly's groundbreaking album, “Run, Rose, Run,” is now available for pre-order and will be available on all digital streaming platforms, as well as digital download. It will also be available on CD and standard vinyl, with some special vinyl color variations. The novel will be published in hardcover, ebook and audiobook on March 7, 2022, and is now available for pre-order.
