The #1 New York Times Bestseller, "Dumplin'" is making it's way to the big screen. Adapted from the Julie Murphy novel, the film stars Jennifer Aniston as Rosie Dickson. Australian actress, Danielle Macdonald will take the role of her daughter Willowdean Dickson.
The story unfolds as Willowdean ('Dumplin') signs up for her mom's Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant. It's an act of protest for the plus-size teenage daughter of the former beauty queen. Things escalate when other contestants follow her footsteps, revolutionizing the pageant and their small Texas town.
It's no coincidence that the main character shares the same name as Dolly Parton's real-life sister, Willadeene Parton. Dumplin' herself is a huge Dolly Parton fan. In fact, in the opening lines of the book, she says the best moments of her life have "started with a Dolly Parton song." The film will include Dolly's music, both well-known hits and all-new songs. At the 2018 grand opening of Dollywood, Dolly spoke about the opportunity to lend her songwriting and composing talents to the new film and complimented the film's encouraging message saying,
"It's really a wonderful and uplifting thing for young girls altogether."
Filmed in Atlanta, GA, and the surrounding areas, "Dumplin'" is directed by Anne Fletcher.
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.
