Spring is blooming brightly for Dolly, with exciting milestones and meaningful new beginnings at every turn! From launching Dollywood’s vibrant 40th anniversary season and introducing her delightful Dolly Wines Pinot Noir, to announcing the world premiere of Dolly: An Original Musical, this season highlights Dolly’s unwavering spirit and boundless creativity.
Family favorites like Pirates Voyage and Dolly Parton’s Stampede offer thrilling new shows filled with dazzling performances and unforgettable adventures. Amidst these joyful celebrations, Dolly also shares heartfelt reflections honoring the life of her beloved husband, Carl Dean, while marking 30 inspiring years of her Imagination Library.
Dive into everything Dolly has in store this spring!
Dolly kicked off Dollywood’s 2025 season and previewed an exciting year ahead, introducing new touches and reimagined areas of the theme park, and teasing a major new project coming in 2026. The 40th anniversary season begins with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, which runs through April 13 and celebrates Dolly and her unmatched talents through songs, shows and culinary delights.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is ready to make your spring unforgettable with high-flying acrobatics, mermaids, sword fights, and a hearty four-course pirate feast. With locations in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Pigeon Forge, TN, this swashbuckling family adventure offers fun and thrills for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy a high-spirited adventure at the World’s Most Visited Dinner Attraction, complete with daring feats of trick riding, friendly competition and a new segment that brings majestic butterflies and flowers to life. With locations in Branson, MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN, families can enjoy this high-spirited adventure along with a mouth-watering four-course feast!
Dolly has announced Dolly: An Original Musical, a stage show based on her life story, will premiere with a four-week limited run in Nashville starting July 18, 2025, After this special Nashville engagement at Belmont University’s Fisher Center, the production will head to Broadway in 2026. Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting at just $40.
After years of jokingly avoiding the color red (thanks to “Jolene”), Dolly has had a change of heart – this California Pinot earned a 92-point rating and is bursting with red fruit flavors and a hint of vanilla. The Dolly Wines Pinot Noir is available now at leading U.S. retailers in-store and online.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, marking three decades of inspiring a love of reading in children around the world! What began in 1995 as a small program in Dolly’s hometown has blossomed into a global literacy movement, delivering over 270 million free books to kids from birth to age five across five countries.
On March 3, 2025, Dolly’s beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away at age 82. Dolly honors his memory with a stirring new song, "If You Hadn't Been There", a deeply emotional ballad that captures the depth of their love and the profound impact Carl had on her life.
Spring is a season of renewal, hope and new beginnings. As the days grow warmer and the world around us blooms in color, Dolly reminds us to embrace the promise of brighter days ahead – even if we’ve been through some storms. Let this time of year fill your heart with a joyful tune for spring.
It's been a long dark night
And I've been a waitin' for the morning
It's been a long hard fight
But I see a brand new day a dawning
I've been looking for the sunshine
You know I ain't seen it in so long
But everything's gonna work out just fine
And everything's gonna be all right
That's been all wrong
'Cause I can see the light of a clear blue morning
I can see the light of a brand new day
I can see the light of a clear blue morning
Oh, and everything's gonna be all right
It's gonna be okay
Love,
Photo credit: Curtis Hilbun
Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season is officially underway after Dolly Parton welcomed guests and media during the park’s first day of operation on March 14. The event marked her first public appearance following the passing of her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, on March 3.
During the morning media event, Dolly shared her appreciation for the outpouring of support she has received from around the world following Carl’s passing. Then, Dolly, alongside Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton, offered a look ahead to Dollywood’s upcoming anniversary season, as well as a sneak peek of a groundbreaking new project coming to the Smoky Mountain theme park in 2026.
Following a year of record attendance in 2024, Dollywood Parks & Resorts—the #1 U.S. theme park according to Tripadvisor reviews—has a lot to celebrate in 2025, its 40th operational season. Last year, the park added The Dolly Parton Experience—subsequently named by USA Today as one of the Top Five Best New Theme Park attractions in 2024—and celebrated the first full year of operation for the company’s second lodging property, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort.
Additionally, Dollywood’s Splash Country celebrates its 25th season, while Dollywood’s DreamMqdore Resort and Spa enjoys its 10th year of operation in 2025. In a year full of milestone anniversaries, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library marks its 30th anniversary, and as of today, has gifted more than 270 million books to children around the world under the age of 5.
During the event she thanked guests for their part in making her beloved Dollywood theme park one of the most recognized and awarded parks in the world.
"Thank you to our guests and the community for the support they’ve given to my Dollywood for 40 years," Dolly said. "It’s hard to believe it has been that long, but it never would have lasted if it hadn’t been for you—our guests. On opening day in 1986, I was just hoping that people would really want to come visit a theme park with my name on it. And even though I always try to dream big, I’ll admit I was a little bit nervous that first morning. But people did come out to support us that first day, and I’m so proud to see that Dollywood has continued to grow through the years to become a place of fun and togetherness for everyone who has come to visit.
"I’m also very honored that we’re starting off the anniversary season with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival," she added. "I hope that this festival inspires everyone to share their own special light with the world each day. It doesn’t matter what your dream is—even if it’s opening a theme park with your name on it—follow those dreams and never give up!"
One surprise highlight of the media event was a mysterious teaser video that hinted at something major coming to the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park in 2026. Naughton believes the addition will continue to elevate Dollywood’s status globally within the industry.
"We’re not ready to share the details, but I can tell you it will be a revolutionary new experience unlike ANYTHING anywhere else in the world," he said. "We’re able to add these experiences because of the unwavering support of our guests and the dedication of our hosts to create the friendliest and most welcoming theme park environment in the industry. This is our 40th anniversary season, but I can promise you, we’re just getting started.
"We truly believe the only way to provide that atmosphere is by asking guests for their honest opinions and listening fully to what they tell us. Our hosts are empowered to listen to our guests, and many of the projects our teams are working on right now are due to guest feedback we’ve received. We’re always trying to put wings on Dolly’s dreams, and taking care of our guests in the best way possible has always been her biggest dream."
Guests to Dollywood's 40th season will experience the results of several off-season construction projects, including overall area refreshes in Country Fair and The Village. Among the changes in Country Fair are a new splash pad and expanded seating area—the perfect place for parents and the youngest Dollywood fans seeking a quick break in the action—while The Village received bright new touches and the reimagining of the Imagination Playhouse.
The Imagination Playhouse, which features plays based on books from Dolly’s Imagination Library, becomes a permanent fixture this season, offering its much-loved shows for younger guests from April 19 through the end of September. The theater will offer a rotation of playhouse favorites guests have enjoyed through the years. During Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, new story time and character meet & greets are part of the Imagination Playhouse experience. Also in celebration of the 40th anniversary, "Heartsong: The Movie" will be remastered and moved—appropriately—to Dreamsong Theater as part of The Dolly Parton Experience. "Heartsong: The Movie" will run in the theater in conjunction with "Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends."
The season begins with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival (now- April 13). This festival celebrates Dolly and her unmatchable talents as an internationally known performer through songs, shows and even culinary delights. Returning favorite "From the Heart—The Life & Music of Dolly Parton" tells Dolly’s remarkable story in an inspirational and uplifting way as guests experience the emotional pull she faced as she left everything she had known in Sevier County to move to Nashville in pursuit of her dreams. The show takes place in Celebrity Theater and runs through the Flower & Food Festival.
For those who cannot contain their love of Dolly, "Sing-a-long with Dolly" invites guests to belt out the lyrics to some of her most-loved songs. This fun and interactive show takes place at the Back Porch Theater. Finally, "Trio, Again featuring Three Times A Lady" honors the "Trio" albums released by Dolly, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. The Three Times A Lady trio, made up of singer/songwriters Victoria Camp, Kennedy Scott and Hannah Blaylock, presents this timeless show for Dollywood guests at the Showstreet Palace Theater.
Two of the parks’ largest projects in 2025 include the Wilderness Pass Restaurant and a new 750-space parking lot; both are set to open later this spring. Projects like the new parking area and Wilderness Pass Restaurant are important pieces of the company’s half-billion dollar, 10-year expansion plan announced by Dolly and Naughton in 2021.
Following the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (April 18-June 8) blooms bright with iconic Mosaiculture displays throughout the park. Vivid larger-than-life flower sculptures create an immersive atmosphere for park guests with more than half-a-million blooms during this award-winning festival. Dollywood’s culinary team showcases their world-class abilities during the event with a menu full of delicacies to highlight the tastes of spring in the Smokies. “Play On,” a special 40th anniversary retrospective show featuring songs and scenes from many of the park’s iconic shows from years past, debuts on May 3, the date of the park’s first operational day in 1986.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 14-August 3) is everyone’s favorite summer tradition and once again includes Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show each night. Even more drones take to the skies this year to present a mesmerizing show that honors Dollywood’s 40th season. “Gazillion Bubble Show: Evolution” and “Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience” provide popping bubbles and playful pooches to help every guest feel like a kid this summer.
A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 12- Oct. 27) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which previously has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family. Creative culinary items, accomplished artisans and fall fun in the Smokies make this a picture-perfect time to enjoy Dollywood.
The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 1- Jan. 4, 2025)—concludes the park’s 2025 season with six million lights, festive holiday shows and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.
With 40th anniversary season surprises ahead, guests should consider a season pass to ensure they can experience all the fun! Three season pass levels—Gold, Silver and the new Volunteer Summer Pass—provide great options for every guest, while the popular Pre-K Imagination Season Pass offers free admission all season long to any child born in 2020 or 2021. Passes are on sale now.
The Gold Pass represents tremendous value for guests thanks to two Bring-A-Friend Free tickets and free general parking, as well as discounts on dining, merchandise and lodging. Both Diamond (2025 Diamond Passes already are sold out) and Gold passholders receive access to special events and activities just for them; only the named passholder can receive the perks associated with each pass type. Gold and Diamond passholders can take advantage of another great perk—complimentary TimeSaver line access the first hour of every operating day.
Silver Season Passes also are available and include two Bring-A-Friend Free tickets and a discount on Dollywood lodging. Select blackout dates apply to adult and senior Silver Season Passes and Silver Bring-A-Friend Free tickets; child Silver Season Passes do not have blackout dates.
The Volunteer Summer Pass offers East Tennessee residents an opportunity to purchase a special season pass valid for visits April 21-Sept. 11. The pass is available online only at a discounted rate while supplies last.
Guests at this world-class family vacation destination can experience even more fun at one of Dollywood’s award-winning resort hotels, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa or Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Both properties offer unbeatable hospitality and exclusive complimentary privileges, including TimeSaver passes, door-to-door transportation, preferred parking at Dollywood parks and package delivery for purchases made at Dollywood theme park.
For more information about Dollywood’s 2025 season or season passes, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
The holidays are here, and Dolly is ready to deck the halls with warmth, cheer, and a little extra sparkle! This Christmas season, she’s inviting everyone to celebrate the magic of togetherness, the joy of giving, and the timeless traditions that make this time of year so special.
"There’s nothing quite like Christmas to bring us together," Dolly says. "The music, the traditions, and the love that we share remind us of what’s most important—family, friends, and the spirit of giving. That's what makes this the most wonderful time of year!"
Take a closer look at everything Dolly has in store this holiday season!
Billboard has ranked Dolly #1 on their prestigious list of the "100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time." The list, compiled by Billboard’s editorial team, highlights the most influential and enduring figures in country music. Dolly’s spot at the top solidifies her legacy as a trailblazer whose impact transcends generations.
The merriment of the season returns during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, happening now through January 5, 2025, with cherished traditions for generations of Dollywood guests. From award-winning stage productions to delicious culinary masterpieces and 6 million twinkling lights, there is something festive in store for every family member.
Witness an incredible Christmas show at Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Branson, MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN! Experience a full-scale Nativity, a spectacular new ice-skating act, seasonal decorations, Santa Claus, an enchanting aerial performance and a delicious four-course holiday meal.
Celebrate the season at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show with a festive Christmas show in Myrtle Beach, SC, featuring thrilling stunts, a live Nativity, and a delicious holiday feast. In Pigeon Forge, TN, enjoy the classic pirate adventure with daring battles, impressive acrobatics, and family fun!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library embraces the holiday season with gratitude and joy, reflecting on a transformative year marked by meaningful milestones and expanded impact. Dolly now mails a free book EVERY second, and each book delivered brings the Imagination Library closer to its goal of inspiring a lifelong love of reading—one child at a time.
Tickets are now on sale for the world premiere of Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony with the Nashville Symphony on March 20, 2025. This innovative multimedia concert experience showcases Dolly’s songs and the stories behind them through new orchestrations, captivating visuals, and special performances by guest vocalists and musicians, offering fans a one-of-a-kind symphonic journey into her life and music. Following the world premiere, performances will take place in select cities across the USA in the 2025/2026 season.
Dolly joins with some of Country’s most promising rising stars – Callie Twisselman, Maddie & Tae, and Jessie James Decker, for a new version of award-winning songwriter Diane Warren’s heartwarming song, "Gonna Be You," from the soundtrack of Paramount Pictures' box office hit 80 for Brady.
The Recording Academy® and the U.S. Department of State announced that Dolly is the 2024 recipient of the Peace Through Music Award, which honors an American music industry professional, artist or group who has played an invaluable role in cross-cultural exchanges and whose music work advances peace and mutual understanding globally.
Kendra Scott announces the launch of a limited-edition collection designed in partnership with Dolly Parton, now available for a limited time. Inspired by Kendra’s admiration of Dolly and her iconic 1974 song, "Love Is Like a Butterfly," each piece in this limited-edition collection embodies Dolly's spirit as a beacon of creativity and giving back.
Dolly has teamed up with Tennessee Tourism to inspire the ultimate Playcation. Together, they’re inviting kids—and kids-at-heart—to plan their perfect Tennessee adventure with the Tennessee Playcation Kid’s Guide. Ten Butterfly Tickets will be hidden randomly amongst the mailed guides offering a once-in-a lifetime VIP Dollywood Experience for the park’s 40th season in 2025, including luxury accommodations, season passes, and more!
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year! No matter where you spend the holidays, you can sense a spirit of joy, hope and love in the air that brings out the best in all of us. As Christmastime arrives, take time to reflect on the true reason for the season and appreciate all of the things that make the holidays so special—family, friends, and the spirit of giving.
Christmas is a time for caring
Bein' at your best
Christmas is a time for sharing
Knowin' you've been blessed
Christmas is a time for givin'
Love is made of this
That's what Christmas is
Merry Christmas!
The merriment of the season returns during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 1, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025) with cherished traditions for generations of Dollywood guests. From award-winning stage productions to delicious culinary masterpieces and 6 million twinkling lights, there is something festive in store for every family member.
Guests are sure to feel the holiday spirit throughout the park during Smoky Mountain Christmas thanks to awe-inspiring displays located around every corner. It is this dedication to creating the industry’s best Christmas event that led the Golden Ticket Awards to name the event a “legend” after 15 consecutive “best of” wins.
Photos © Curtis Hilbun / Dollywood
Joy is everywhere at Dollywood with interactive elements and experiences for all guests. Wildwood Grove transforms into a snowy winter wonderland with a brand-new immersive experience, Snow in the Grove. Guests will feel the Christmas magic as snow gently begins to fall upon Wildwood Creek as the Wildwood Tree glows to life every evening. The merrymaking continues as Dollywood’s Christmas characters, Roly and Poly, join in the fun as the snow descends. Dollywood’s Merry and Bright! fireworks show returns to dazzle guests with a festive end to the day on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Also new this year is the Christmas Reflections light installation in Rivertown. As night descends, the Rivertown pond shines brightly as five brilliantly decorated trees shimmer to life with their lights reflecting onto the water below. This display will be a beautiful addition to the more than 6 million lights sure to dazzle guests on their visit. Glacier Ridge presented by Goo Goo Cluster returns to Dollywood’s Timber Canyon, Wildwood Grove and Wilderness Pass with a vibrant nighttime display.
Dollywood’s beloved entertainment shines on both indoor and outdoor stages. A new offering this year is “Heidi Parton’s A Christmas To Remember,” where Dolly’s niece, Heidi, shares songs and stories from her family’s Christmas traditions. The show takes place in the Dreamsong Theater. The festival’s family-favorite headline show, “Christmas in the Smokies,” returns to Celebrity Theater and delights guests as it has every year since its debut in 1990. Other Dollywood Christmas classics return including “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs” and more.
One of the most unique experiences guests can enjoy this Christmas at Dollywood is Santa’s List... Naughty or Nice? Santa gives visitors a sneak peek into his cozy Smoky Mountain cabin. Families can see him hard at work finalizing this year’s naughty and nice list, and even talk with the jolly old elf himself! Santa returns to the North Pole for a well-deserved vacation after Christmas Day, so families wanting to see him shouldn’t wait!
Guests will delight in the delicious holiday menu created by Dollywood’s chefs. From hearty rosemary garlic white pizza to warm holiday stuffing stackers and tomato florentine soup, food connoisseurs are sure to find something to love. For those with a sweet tooth, Dollywood has a wide array of treats to offer, including red velvet whoopie pies, peppermint twist cupcakes, traditional sugar cookies, gingerbread people and more!
During the holidays, guests can experience the thrill of Dollywood’s world-class rides, as most attractions are operational during the Christmas season. From these rides, guests can take in the dazzling display of millions of lights shining down below.
The Christmas spirit also can be found at Dollywood’s resort properties, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, where guests can enjoy roaming entertainment, marshmallow roasting and hot apple cider. Camp DW provides holiday crafts and activities to spark joy in the youngest visitors.
At Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, every corner is adorned with colorful holiday décor. Guests can gather around the breathtaking two-story Christmas tree that brightens both levels of the lobby or enjoy the beautiful Christmas Tree Show on the resort’s pool deck. DreamMore Resort’s culinary team prepares decadent meals in Song & Hearth: A Southern Eatery. The resort is a great place to taste delicious meals during Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort celebrates its first anniversary on Nov. 3, 2024, and is decking the halls with beautiful Christmas décor inspired by the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. In the lobby, guests can relax by the fire in front of the lantern-inspired four-story windows. Guests will be welcomed to the table at HeartSong Lodge’s restaurant Ember & Elm: Tastes Rooted in the Smokies. This unique dining location will present delicious dinners crafted by the culinary team for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
For anyone wishing to share the magic of creating cherished family memories, a Dollywood Season Pass is the best gift to give loved ones. Diamond and Gold Season Passes purchased during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas allow admission to this year’s festival and Dollywood during the entire 2025 operating season. Guests can purchase their 2025 Season Pass now or upgrade their regular admission ticket on the day of their visit. Ticket purchasers receive credit for the value of a regular one-day ticket toward purchasing a 2025 Season Pass. Next year marks Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season, and with so many surprises in store to celebrate the milestone, it will be a year to remember.
For more information, please visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
As the crisp air settles in and the leaves begin their colorful dance, Dolly embraces the cozy charm of fall with her signature warmth and heart. From the vibrant hues of autumn to the comfort of gathering with loved ones, she invites you to savor the simple pleasures of the season. Join Dolly as she shares everything she loves about fall, from the beauty of nature to the delicious flavors that make this time of year so special.
"Fall is like nature’s way of wrapping you in a cozy blanket," Dolly says. "It’s a time to slow down, enjoy the crisp air, the beautiful changing leaves, and, of course, some good ol’ comfort food. I always look forward to gathering with loved ones to share the warmth and beauty of the season."
Take a closer look at everything Dolly has in store this autumn!
Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George release their highly anticipated cookbook, Good Lookin' Cookin', filled with more than 80 delicious dishes as well as photographs of Dolly and Rachel cooking and hosting all year long. With their trademark warmth and sisterly love, Dolly and Rachel remind you that cooking doesn’t need to be serious—it should be fun! And always good lookin’!
Dollywood welcomes guests to celebrate the splendor of autumn during their annual Harvest Festival, happening September 9 – October 28. The popular event, which includes the family-friendly Great Pumpkin LumiNights, features all of the fun, flavorful food and award-winning entertainment that make this a must-see experience for your family this fall!
Dolly announces the launch of her long-awaited cosmetics brand Dolly Beauty, an extension of her successful fragrances in partnership with Scent Beauty. Dolly Beauty products are now available exclusively on DollyBeauty.com with in-store rollout beginning in 2025.
Enjoy family fun this fall at Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge, TN, and Branson, MO. From thrilling horse riding stunts to a four-course country feast, it’s no surprise why this is the most fun place to eat!
Set sail on an autumn adventure at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge, TN, and Myrtle Beach, SC. You'll witness epic pirate battles and high-diving mermaids, all while enjoying a delectable four-course feast.
Dolly recently visited the Statewide Celebrations for her Imagination Library in Missouri and Kentucky. Meanwhile, the program celebrated significant international growth, marking the milestone of gifting its 6 millionth book in the UK.
Two new tracks have been released from the unprecedented historical project 'Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables': the uplifting title track "Smoky Mountain DNA" and a rousing rendition of her previously unreleased 1998 song "A Rose Won’t Fix It," performed by Dolly and Heidi Parton. Set for release on November 15th, the full track listing features contributions from multiple generations of Dolly’s family.
Penguin Young Readers has released Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, a hilarious and heartwarming tale about the true meaning of Christmas, featuring Dolly's beloved god-dog and inspired by her song 'Comin' Home for Christmas.' Available now wherever books are sold, as well as in audiobook format, narrated by Dolly.
As the season wraps you in its comforting embrace, take time to cherish the small joys that make fall so special. Whether it’s the vibrant colors, the crisp air, or the familiar warmth of a home-cooked meal, autumn offers us moments to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. So, as the leaves continue to fall and the days grow shorter, may you find beauty, peace, and inspiration in the season’s gentle rhythms, just as Dolly does.
I can hear the wind go whistling through the treetops
I hear raindrops falling softly to the ground
In the distance I can hear the roar of thunder
Seems there’s sounds of nature all around
Sounds of nature fill the air with music
How I love and cherish every sound
I often kneel in prayer to thank the Master
For the sounds of nature all around
Love,
