Dollywood kicked off its 33rd season with a special preview event hosted by Dolly Parton. This incredible year is one which surely will be remembered for the amazing quality of entertainment. Dollywood's entertainment team invested $1 million more in its 2018 offerings than any other single year of entertainment in its history.
The preview event featured performances by the National Dance Company of Siberia, PAINTJAM featuring Ricardo Barazza, Janie Fricke, Orleans, Larnelle Harris and others. For the finale, Dolly joined Ladysmith Black Mambazo backed by Orleans for a beautiful performance of "Peace Train." Dolly recorded the song written by Cat Stevens on her 1996 "Treasures" album which featured Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Dollywood has won Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park Entertainment for nine years. And with 2018's commitment, the park again looks to lead the way for the award.
Festival of Nations (March 16 -- April 9)
Spring Mix Music Series (April 11 - April 29)
Barbeque & Bluegrass (May 25 - June 10)
Summer Celebration (June 16 - August 5)
Rock The Smokies (August 25)
Harvest Festival (September 28 - November 3)
Smoky Mountain Christmas (November 10 - January 5)
Opening day also served as the unveiling of the newly renovated Aunt Granny's restaurant. The eatery is named after the affectionate nickname Dolly's nieces and nephews have for her as she acts as both aunt and granny to them as well as to some of her younger siblings. The restaurant is one of the parks original features. Its buffet style dining offers guests delicious comfort foods including Mama's Stone Soup. Read famous Stone Soup story in A Mother's Love & Inspiration - Avie Lee Parton.
For more information about multi-day ticket options, 2018 Dollywood season passes or Dollywood’s Season of Showstoppers visit Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
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Photo Credit: Curtis Hilbun
The marvel of acrobatics, aerial wonders and incredible entertainment create memorable moments for guests experiencing the Spectacular Dinner Show at Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Adventures. The show is set to debut on Friday, March 16, in Pigeon Forge, TN.
This family-oriented fun-filled action and spectacle begins upon entering the Outpost. There you'll find old-time games, Dolly trivia and Magical Makeovers (where children of all ages can transform into a beautiful Princess or lovable Puppy). The Outpost also has snacks and refreshments as you await the main show in Celebration Ridge.
Upon entering Celebration Ridge, the dining experience begins with a fabulous four-course feast. This mouth-watering meal treats guests to tantalizing tastes of creamy vegetable soup, homemade biscuits, sugar-cured ham, pan fried chicken, signature macaroni and cheese, sweet potato delight and a specialty dessert. Adding spice and the flavor of fun to the show’s meal are the exuberance and whimsy of comedic characters that will take guests through the first of a series of adventures that make up this dynamic show.
The real celebration and thrills begin with music, dance, special effects and acrobatics led by an energetic Master of Ceremonies and his songstress partner, set in a small Smoky Mountain town preparing itself for an epic celebration. Performances and breathtaking showmanship soon take center stage as the cast creates true excitement through a combination of feats rarely seen together in a single show. Experience tumblers that fascinate the eyes, music that sparks a song in every heart and acrobatic feats that touch the heart and soul, combined with laughter and smiles that bring families and memories to the forefront of this mountain celebration of life and love. Visitors will be amazed by the seemingly impossible feat that is the amazing Fire-wheel, twirling and spinning several stories high with incredible precision and creating a sense of wonder.
“Our show will cause your spirit to soar,” said Smoky Mountain Adventures General Manager Jamie Parish. “I watch our amazing company of performers nightly and see something new and exciting that amazes me every time. We can’t wait to share that celebration spirit with each of our visitors.”
This Spectacular Dinner Show quickly becomes a passport to a world of wonder, laughter and memories seldom found in the hubbub of today’s world.
For the complete show schedule, contact the box office at 844-322-4400 or visit DPDinnerShowTickets.com or SmokyMountainAdventures.com for tickets.
In 2018, Dolly Parton earned her spot in the Guinness World Records, won an Emmy for Smoky Mountains Rise Telethon and dedicated her Imagination Library's 100 Millionth Book to the Library of Congress. Now she has signed a North American deal with William Morris Endeavor (WME). Longtime manager Danny Nozell speaks about WME and the opportunity it offers,
“We believe that WME is uniquely positioned to help elevate Dolly and her brand at this wonderful stage in her career. WME has a vast global network in the entertainment market, especially in the areas that we have strategically identified as priority such as licensing and unique commercial and touring opportunities.”
WME was formed in 1898 and holds the record for the longest-running talent agency. In 2009, WMA merged with Endeavor to become one of the leading entertainment and media companies with an unparalleled list of artists and content creators. In 2014, WME acquired IMG, the global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, forming Endeavor. Greg Oswald, Co-Head of WME's Nashville office said,
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to work with Dolly Parton. She is the definition of an icon. When we approached her team about the opportunity to represent Dolly, it became clear that this was an ideal marriage given her business aspirations and our capabilities across the WME network. We look forward to helping her build upon her success across multiple platforms.”
WME's past and present clients include; Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Hugh Jackman, Oprah and many more.
Visit WME Online
Photo Credit: Randy Dorman
Pictured Above: Danny Nozell, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and Greg Oswald
On February 27, Dolly dedicated her Imagination Library's 100 Millionth Book to the Library of Congress. We sat down to talk with her about that moment, the amazing program affiliates who help make it all possible and her thoughts on the future of the program.
Dolly spoke about the dedication of the special 100 Millionth Book - “Coat of Many Colors” and how this milestone is not only a celebration of the program but also a celebration of her mother and father.
Dolly also wanted to give credit to the thousands of program affiliates around the world that help make this all possible. Many don't know but it actually takes local affiliate organizations to help administer and fund the Imagination Library within their communities. Dolly understands clearly that they deserve equal thanks for making this amazing milestone possible.
Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has celebrated many milestones. Reaching the 100 Millionth Book Milestone is a true testament to the dedication of many, many people who work to “put more books in the hands of more children.” We asked Dolly about where she saw the Imagination Library going in the future.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free books to children from birth until they begin school in participating communities within Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States. Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Dolly Parton started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children within her home county. Today, the program has mailed over 100 million books to children around the world.
Today Dolly Parton joined Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden for the dedication of her Imagination Library’s 100 Millionth Book to the Library of Congress collection. Dolly dedicated a special edition of her book, “Coat of Many Colors” to the world’s largest library. This honor is a monumental milestone for the program now its 22nd year. Dolly said,
“I always like to say that 100 million books have led to 100 million stories. I am so honored that our little program has now grown to such a point that we can partner with the Library of Congress to bring even more stories to children across the country.”
From its infancy in Sevier County, Tennessee, to the largest children’s literacy program in the world, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has inspired millions of children around the globe to love reading. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said,
“Dolly Parton’s work through her Imagination Library is awe-inspiring. They have counted the number of books given away – 100 million, but there is no way to truly quantify the impact this program has had on developing young readers across America and in other parts of the world. This is an extraordinary gift to humankind.”
The two also announced a new Library of Congress story time for young readers. On the last Friday of each month starting in March and running through August a special story time will be held at the Library of Congress. The Library will host story time in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building. These events will be live streamed so children and parents can join the fun online. Each story time will feature a reading of a book for readers up to age 5, music and special guests. Hayden commented,
“The Library of Congress shares this passion for developing young readers and I am so pleased to announce these cooperative programs, which will provide an opportunity for children anywhere to connect with a fun, engaging reading experience.”
The story times will take place the last Friday of each month for six months in March through August at 10:30 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street SE. The events are free and open to the public. No tickets are required. The programs will also be live streamed on the Library’s Facebook page and its YouTube channel (with captions).
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The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States—and extensive materials from around the world—both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
