To celebrate summer during Dollywood’s "Year of the Family," the park offers families even more of what they already love—time together at the world’s friendliest theme park. Summer at Dollywood (June 17- Aug. 6) provides the ideal atmosphere for families to create lifelong memories sure to put a smile on every face. Dolly Parton said,
“Summer in the Great Smoky Mountains truly is something special. When I was growing up, our entertainment was catching lightnin’ bugs and looking up at the stars. We could only dream about what it would be like to take a family vacation together.”
Dollywood celebrates the season with two new attractions, Drop Line and Whistle Punk Chaser. Also, The Little Engine Playhouse will feature two new stories. Guests can look forward to spectacular nightly fireworks. And a Dollywood favorite, The Gazillion Bubbles Show, returns this summer during "Year of the Family."
Dolly’s Nights of Many Colors, a spectacular synchronized fireworks show, paints a colorful canvas across the Smoky Mountain sky each evening. The fireworks extravaganza lights up the night at 9:30 p.m.
The Gazillion Bubbles Show is in D.P.’s Celebrity Theater, offering an amazing facility to fill with the “unbubbleievable” tricks and fun of the bubble-making spectacle. Extended park operating hours—10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily— give guests more time to create the perfect summer getaway. Additionally, Dollywood’s hours are extended to midnight for the first time ever on July 1 and 8. Dolly said,
“We had heard about big rides and shows and festivals at places like the World’s Fair, but we never dreamed that it could all be right here in the Smokies! Places like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Dollywood are now everything we could imagine for a family vacation together.”
It’s story time again as The Little Engine Playhouse showcases two new children’s stories. Coat of Many Colors is based on Dolly’s newest children’s book of the same name. Pretend, based on Jennifer Plecas’ book, features sing-along songs that kids of all ages will enjoy. And, of course, everyone’s favorite, The Little Engine That Could, returns to the stage. It's a delightful reminder of what can happen with just a little bit of determination.
Dollywood guests have an amazing amount of entertainment options to enjoy during their visit. They also can experience the park’s award-winning rides in a completely different environment once the sun sets. After dark, Dollywood’s trademark attractions, like Wild Eagle and Thunderhead, provide a unique experience for those who climb aboard. These rides thrill guests who race through the summer night with no idea which way the track will turn next!
Learn more about Dollywood’s Year of the Family, or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
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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
Visit the beautiful Smoky Mountains and experience nature’s renewal along with your own. Dolly invites families back to the Smokies and shares why they really are some place special. Here families can laugh, play and stay as they rejuvenate their spirit and make lasting memories together. Dolly says,
"Come on back; we’re here and better than ever."
With the award-winning atmosphere of Dollywood theme park, America’s must-see water park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, and multiple lodging options, families can create a unique experience they’ll remember for a lifetime.
Families can also find world-class entertainment in Pigeon Forge at Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction and Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Adventures - the all-new dinner and show now in its premier season.
Plan an exciting summer getaway in the Smoky Mountains - Some Place Special!
Dollywood
Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction
Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Adventures
HLN’s Robin Meade of the Morning Express Show recently visited the Great Smoky Mountains. She talked with Dolly Parton about ongoing recovery efforts and the final My People Fund disbursements.
Robin also visited with one of the families affected and shared their story. Roger Prince and Megan Kelly are just one of the families who lost their home in the devastating wildfires. Robin accompanied the couple as they revisited the site where their home once stood.
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Robin also reminds everyone that visiting the Great Smoky Mountains is the best way to show their support. Morning Express with Robin Meade airs weekday mornings on HLN from 6 AM - 11 AM EST.
The Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund provided a total of $10,000 (per family) over the course of six months to the more than 900 Sevier County families whose homes were completely destroyed in the Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County were eligible.
The mission of the Mountain Tough Recovery Team is to assist individuals and families recovering from the 2016 wildfires in Gatlinburg and the surrounding Sevier County area to rebuild and provide resources for other unmet needs for both homeowners and renters impacted by the fires.
Devastating wildfires claimed the lives of 14 people and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings in Sevier County, TN, on November 28, 2016.
With Dollywood’s award-winning chefs offering up tasty barbeque and the biggest names in bluegrass serving up some sweet sounds, Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass (May 26-June 4) continues the “Year of the Family” with a special treat for the senses.
Steep Canyon Rangers (May 31), Rhonda Vincent & The Rage (June 4), Dailey & Vincent (May 29), and seven-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Vocal Group of the Year Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (May 28) are among the acts helping the festival reach a high note. Dolly Parton said,
“There’s no doubt bluegrass holds a special place in my heart. There is something so beautiful about the sounds of that good ol’ mountain music. That’s why it’s a treat to have these great bluegrass performers, like my good friend Rhonda Vincent, at Dollywood during my Barbeque & Bluegrass festival. These really are the best in the business, and I’m glad we’re able to share their gifts with the guests who come visit us. Heck, I might even grab a plate of those ribs and sit down and enjoy some of the shows myself!”
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This year’s festival includes a number of IBMA and Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) award winners. Award-winning acts include Flatt Lonesome. This rising new group won the 2016 IBMA Vocal Group of the Year. They also received Album of the Year and Song of the Year the same year. The group headlines the festival on June 3. Kelsi Robertson Harrigill of Flatt Lonesome said,
“Flatt Lonesome always looks forward to being part of the Dollywood Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival. It is a great event that features all our favorite things – roller coasters, barbeque and bluegrass music, and the folks that come to the shows are always so much fun to play for. We sure hope to be part of this great festival every year!”
An impressive calendar of bluegrass talent performs throughout the festival. Guests can enjoy more than 25 individual concerts scheduled each day on stages across the park. Legendary bluegrass group Hot Rize kicks off the festival on May 26. The Gibson Brothers (May 27) and Band of Ruhks (May 28) are also playing on opening weekend. Other Barbeque & Bluegrass performers include Blue Highway (June 3), Cricket Tell the Weather (June 3) and Farmhands (June 2). The lineup also includes the ETSU Pride Bluegrass Band (May 30). Also, catch Carson Peters and Iron Mountain (May 26) and The Loose Strings Band (May 31). Six-String Soldiers, the bluegrass arm of the United States Army Field Band, play, appropriately enough, on Sunday, May 28 and Memorial Day Monday, May 29. Andrea Asprelli of Cricket Tell the Weather said,
“As a singer and a songwriter who loves bluegrass music, it's an honor to be able to play at Dollywood this year. I first listened to Dolly on the ‘Trio’ albums, and soon learned that her powerful vocals were just as inspiring as her creative, entrepreneurial and loving spirit.”
All concerts are free and included with park admission.
Dollywood’s award-winning food perfectly complements the sounds of bluegrass music’s finest. The aroma of bold barbeque wafts through the air, thanks to expertly-prepared pulled pork, smoked sausage and chicken. Bountiful barbeque entrees are accompanied by Southern favorites like baked beans, corn on the cob and more. Guests also can find a number of sweet treats to put an exclamation point on their meal!
Dollywood’s Year of The Family provides amazing new memory-making moments for families to celebrate.
Learn more about Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass online or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
