By 1985, Dolly was a CMA, ACM and GRAMMY award-winning artist. Her acting career was flourishing with blockbuster hits such as "9 to 5" and she had earned her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Dolly had reached superstar status. Yet, to the surprise of many, she dreamed of home and the people living there. Her vision, to build a place where her success would be enjoyed by many for generations and generations to come.
Most folks have heard how Dollywood got its name. On one of her first trips to California, Dolly fantasized about changing the H to a D in the iconic Hollywood sign. But what about her vision for the actual park. What motivated the young star to invest so much of herself back home in the mountains of East Tennessee? The answer is simple, Dolly loves her people, her home and everything about her heritage that helped shape her into not just the star but the person she became. A kind, generous, real soul who knows where she is going and loves where she came from.
In her autobiography, "Dolly My Life and Other Unfinished Business" Dolly reflected on why she wanted to open Dollywood. She said,
"The theme park is much more about the mountains and the culture of the people who live there than it is about Dolly Parton. Dolly Parton simply happens to be the most famous hillbilly from those particular hills, and a lot of people are curious about me and my life. There is plenty there to satisfy that curiosity, but there is also plenty that celebrates the spirit of a people who made a life for themselves in that very stingy countryside. These are my real people, the seed from which I sprang. I saw Dollywood as a chance to honor them."
Despite naysayers, the park was nearly an overnight success. The 1986 grand opening saw around 10,000 guests pass through the gates. Five months later, the park welcomed its one millionth visitor. Today, Dollywood sees 2.5 million visitors per year. That number hits 4 million when combined with other Dollywood properties such as Splash Country and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort. In 2013, Dolly and the Dollywood Company announced a 10-year, $300 million expansion plan. The plan included the 300-room resort which opened in 2015.
While the guest experience is at the center of the “world’s friendliest park” the people are still the heartbeat. The Dollywood Company now employs over 3000 people. In her book, published in 1994, Dolly wrote,
“I love the fact that I am able to give something back and provide so many people with jobs where none existed before. Of course, the Great Smoky Mountains were there for a couple of million years before I came along, and they are still the main attraction in the area, which is as it should be. If Dollywood can give some people a little extra incentive to visit there, then I am absolutely tickled.”
Perhaps Dolly’s sentiment for her people is best expressed in the words to her song, "My People, My Home" the opening number at Dollywood’s My People show.
These are my mountains, these are my valleys,
these are my rivers flowing like a song.
These are my people, these are my memories,
These are my mountains, this is my home.
"My People, My Home" - By Dolly Parton
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Dollywood opens March 18, 2017! This year, the park will unveil two new rides, Drop Line and Whistle Punk Chaser, and Dollywood’s Splash Country will debut TailSpin Racer later this summer.
Visit Dollywood.com to see upcoming festivals, events and more!
This winter, Dollywood is vigorously working through a 250-point check list of both small and large projects. These range from total renovations of some areas to adding a fresh coat of paint to others. All total, $8-9 million is being invested at Dollywood and $2.5 million at Splash Country making it one of the busiest off-seasons the parks have ever seen.
Notable renovations include a total transformation of Backstage Restaurant to what will become Front Porch Café. Guest are also in for a treat with a newly remodeled Rainbow Blown Glass shop which will become Mountain Blowing Glass. The new configuration will allow for two glass-blowing artisans to work at the same time. Visitors can enjoy a new area dedicated to making their own ornaments where items will be available to take home the same day.
More renovations are taking place in Timber Canyon. Lumberjack Pizza will remain a staple dining option with some noticeable modifications to make for faster ordering and more choices. The pathway to Timber Canyon has been widened and scenic features have been added to make the trek more enjoyable. Brian Dudash, Dollywood Vice-President of Maintenance & Construction commented on the wide scope of projects going on simultaneously. He said,
“One minute you are talking about blowing glass equipment and the next thing is a freestyle machine in a restaurant then we’re talking about the foundation on our new ride. It’s a variety of stuff and it’s challenging but that’s what makes it fun too!”
The winter renovations and maintenance tasks are taking place now while work is also beginning on the new attractions coming to Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country this summer. Drop Line and Whistle Punk Chaser will be added in Timber Canyon at Dollywood. TailSpin Racer will be unveiled at Splash Country later this season.
Visit Dollywood.com for more on opening dates, tickets and upcoming festivals.
All photos are courtesy of DollyParton.com.
Dolly Parton reunited with her fellow cast members on the red carpet at Dollywood to celebrate the premiere of Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.
The all-star cast including Dolly Parton, Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, Alyvia Alyn Lind, and many more made their way down the red carpet along Dollywood’s Showstreet. Dolly greeted her fans and members of the media alongside Alyvia Alyn Lind who plays Little Dolly. When asked what the "Little Dolly" inside her would have to say about all the excitement of the night Dolly said,
"I still feel like that little girl, that's why I wanted Little Dolly, little Alyvia Lind, to be with me because it's really kind of like going back in time...I feel like Mama and Daddy is kind of right here with us, and it's very touching, and it's very emotional."
Jennifer Nettles shined as she talked about her role as Avie Lee. As Ricky Schroeder made his way down the red carpet, he shared his excitement to see the new film along with his fellow co-stars. Cameron Jones, a young New Zealand-born actor, was cast as Dolly's Uncle Bill Owens. Cameron joked to reporters about living up to his real-life counterpart's stellar good looks which have been something of a family treasure among the Partons.
Kelli Berglund, Mary Lane Haskell, Hannah Nordberg, Forrest Deal, Blane Crockarell along with many more stars from the film were on hand to pose for photos and talk to reporters from around the country. Several of Dolly's family were also in attendance including her Uncle Bill, many of her brothers and sisters, several nieces and nephews, and other members of her extended family.
The event also drew a few Hollywood A-list stars including Rebecca Romijn and her husband, Jerry O'Connell. Rebecca is a huge Dolly Parton fan, so much so that she named her daughter after Dolly. Little Dolly Rebecca and her sister Charlie Tamara were there sharing their excitement to be at Dollywood for the premiere of the film.
The park was open for general admission attendees as well who were delighted to catch a glimpse of some of their favorite stars from the film. Many of them had stood behind the red velvet ropes for well over four hours in anticipation of Dolly's arrival along with the other stars of the new film.
The Coca-Cola Refresh Team brought the Coca-Cola Polar Bear to make photos for guests in attendance. Coca-Cola also offered special holiday beverage samplings.
Once the red carpet activities commenced, everyone gathered inside Dollywood's Showstreet Palace theater to watch "Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love."
Following the film viewing, the cast and special VIPs enjoyed hor d’oeuvres, desserts and beverages around Dolly’s Chasing Rainbows Museum. Everyone was treated to Dollywood's all new Parade of Many Colors at the end of the night.
Last December, just in time for Christmas, Dolly delighted viewers and critics alike with her deeply heartwarming tale drawn straight from her inspiring real life and music. In the all-new holiday sequel, the Partons, a family of humble means living in the mountains of Tennessee, face a devastating event that challenges their will. But when they experience a bewildering Christmas miracle, the Partons are drawn closer together than ever - with deepened faith and love for one another.
"Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love" airs on November 30 on NBC at 9/8c.
Dollywood becomes Hollywood on Tuesday, Nov. 22, complete with red carpet arrivals, media interviews and special viewing areas for guests, as Dolly Parton has invited the cast from her new NBC movie, "Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love," to visit the park for the worldwide premiere.
Dollywood adds another operating day to its 2016 calendar to allow park guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see behind-the-scenes of a real Hollywood premiere. Dollywood opens from 2-9 p.m. on this special day, providing a sneak peek at the festivities which include red carpet arrivals and more!
The premiere event begins at 5 p.m. with red carpet arrivals following. Dolly and cast of the new film will make their way down the red carpet along Dollywood’s Showstreet as media from across the country cover the action.
The Coca-Cola Refresh Team brings the Coca-Cola Polar Bear to make photos for guests in attendance. Coca-Cola also offers special holiday beverage samplings during the event.
Guests at the premiere also can enjoy Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, the nine-time award winner for Best Christmas Event. Two new holiday shows and four million dazzling Christmas lights combine with the park’s award-winning rides, delectable holiday dishes and heart-warming Christmas atmosphere for a delightful yuletide experience.
Smoky Mountain Christmas guests can upgrade a paid one-day admission ticket to a regular 2017 season pass for as low as $27 (plus tax when buying four or more).
Visit Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD for more information, including operating days and hours, daily show schedule and more helpful tips to help plan a visit.
Coming off a record year which featured the best new attraction of 2016, Lightning Rod, as well as the successful first anniversary of Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, The Dollywood Company continues to provide more unique experiences at each of its family-friendly properties.
Two new family rides debut this summer at Dollywood providing thrilling new adventures for guests. The first is Drop Line, a 200-foot tall free-fall experience that towers over Timber Canyon and provides an incredible view of the park before its exhilarating finish. The drop tower ride lifts Dollywood guests nearly 20 stories above the Canyon’s pool, before plummeting them back to the ground in a thrilling rush. Also new is Whistle Punk Chaser, a junior coaster which throws exciting twists and turns at Dollywood’s younger loggers, helping prepare them for the day they can join their parents aboard the award-winning Thunderhead wooden coaster. Dolly said,
“As everybody already knows, family is very important to me. These days, there doesn’t seem to be enough time for families to be together, whether you’re a just a couple like me and Carl or you have 12 kids like my family did growing up. That’s why we continue to add all these new rides and shows for families to experience together."
Dolly continued,
“We have something for everyone, but even more important, we have something for you AND your family. We’re adding so much this year; I’m calling 2017 ‘the year of the family!’”
In addition to the new attractions, families have two engaging new events to experience 2017. Just in time for families enjoying spring break, the park will introduce enra, a Tokyo-based dance company featured on "America’s Got Talent" in 2015. The group wowed audiences with their high-energy multi-media dance, light and video fusion show. Interactive video and lights combine with the talented performers to create a unique, cutting-edge experience for guests.
In October, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival adds the spectacular GREAT! Pumpkin LumiNights event. This nighttime event immerses families in fabulous fall pumpkin illumination. Additionally, a new pumpkin trail comes to life after dark with a number of spectacular pumpkin displays glowing with the fire of fall. The festival also includes the Southern Gospel Jubilee which brings in the greatest Southern gospel talent around. Gene Scherrer, Dollywood Vice-President and General Manager said.
“We are really excited about adding the GREAT! Pumpkin LumiNights to our Harvest event. We’ve created a number of impressive displays that will light up the night and allow us to add some new experiences for families to enjoy the fun of fall in a uniquely Dollywood way.”
The company also recently announced the addition of TailSpin Racer, a multi-lane, mat-racer-style slide to Dollywood’s Splash Country for 2017. The parks’ 2017 additions are all part of the $300 million investment in Dollywood which Dolly announced in 2013.
