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Photo Credit: Dustin Rabin Photography
All set to embark on the Canadian leg of her 60-city Pure & Simple tour, Dolly Parton charmed the audience at a press conference in Toronto with her quick wit and her optimistic outlook on life. She was candid about her career, the music industry and her upcoming plans. She added in a few jokes about politics and reminded everyone that the world needs much more love and kindness. In fact, love seemed to be a common thread in Dolly's 45-minute long chat with reporters.
Dolly spoke about her 50th wedding anniversary which she recently celebrated with her husband, Carl Dean. She mentioned her movie deal with NBC and shared her excitement for a sequel to the 2015 record-breaking holiday special based on her song, "Coat of Many Colors." The original cast will return for "Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love" this December.
Her message of love flowed naturally into her aspirations for her Imagination Library. Dolly says the free book-gifting organization hopes to soon have 100,000 registered children receiving books each month.
Dolly shared her fond appreciation for her fans from the LGBT community and expressed her sadness in the wake of the recent attack in Orlando, FL. Dolly said,
"I do have a big gay following, and I’m the patron saint to a lot of those guys and it makes me feel good. But as far as what happened in Orlando, that’s just horrible. It doesn’t matter what kind of a club it happened to be. It’s a hate crime, looks to me like what they say. I am not God, I am no judge, I just know that God loves us all."
As the Pure & Simple Tour continues, fans of all ages and from all walks of life will come together to see and hear Dolly, pure and simple. In her closing remarks, Dolly's contagious positivity shined as bright as the rhinestones on her suit when she said,
"Everyday I wake up with new dreams."
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With amazing new entertainment, extended park hours and a nightly fireworks show, Dollywood is the perfect place for families to celebrate the fun and excitement of summer.
From June 11- Aug. 7, Dollywood’s park hours are 10 AM - 10 PM daily, allowing guests more time to create memories and share experiences together. In addition to extended hours during this time, visitors can enjoy Dolly’s Nights of Many Colors, a spectacular synchronized fireworks show which paints a colorful canvas across the Smoky Mountain sky. Guests also can join in the excitement of Lite the Nite, a high-spirited dance party which occurs each evening prior to the fireworks extravaganza.
Two new shows headline the summer beginning with award-winning illusionist Brad Ross’ Unbelievable magic show June 11- July 10. Ross takes audiences on an inspirational journey into a world of fun and magic where anything is possible. Along the way, children learn to discover the magic in everyday items and events they find all around them. Each show features unbelievable magic and illusions, comedy and audience interaction. It’s an awe-inspiring show that is fresh and fun for both kids and adults. Brad said,
"I'm beyond thrilled to be joining the Dollywood family and bringing our incredible illusions, world-class magic and pure family fun to Pigeon Forge this summer. One of the things I'm most excited about is the opportunity to help families experience magic in a whole new way - my show is all about finding the magic that's all around us and there is no more perfect place to make that happen than at Dollywood!"
Dollywood goes to the dogs July 11- Aug. 7 with the high-flying antics of Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience. These talented animals will leave audiences begging for more. Trainers work with these performing pooches to create a high-energy show which features remarkable tricks and eye-popping special effects. All of the dogs in Perondi’s show are adopted from pounds and shelters nationwide. Perondi’s stunt dogs have been featured on “The Tonight Show,” “Ellen” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Chris said,
“I am ‘dog-gone’ excited to bring back my Stunt Dog Experience to Dollywood this summer. Dollywood is one of our favorite theme parks and performing in the Celebrity Theater is an honor. I can promise this show is fur-flying fun for the whole family!”
Summer also means it’s story time again at The Little Engine Playhouse, as some of the Imagination Library’s best titles are brought to life! "Old Bear and His Cub" and "Betty Bunny Didn’t Do It" are featured as 25-minute musicals with special sing-along songs written by Dolly. Everyone’s favorite, "The Little Engine That Could," also comes to the stage with a delightful reminder of what can happen with a bit of determination and courage.
Festive food adds to the Dollywood experience during the summer with unique new items including macaroni & cheese with various toppings, pretzel dogs, banana split funnel cakes and frozen chocolate-dipped bananas.
Explore Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD for park hours and show information.
