Dolly’s love for family time and summer time came to life with music and light as Dollywood’s Great American Summer debuted in 2013. Special extended park hours from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. gave families more time to spend together as they enjoyed Dollywood’s rides and attractions at night. Each day was filled with new shows and nightly fireworks set to original music written and recorded by Dolly.
An international perspective has always been important to Dolly and at Dollywood’s 2013 Festival of Nations, she was able to take guests on a trip around the world thanks to international shows, foods and crafts! Dolly delighted guests as she made surprise visits during the opening performances of the headlining shows, "Cirque Shanghai" and "Mystic India."
Dolly’s love for toe tappin’ bluegrass, savory southern barbeque and family togetherness made Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass a star-studded festival that is very close to Dolly’s heart. Growing up with bluegrass music instilled a love for the mountain music in Dolly which she has been able to share with everyone at Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass festival.
As Dolly opened Dollywood for its 28th season, she announced the addition of a new festival, Great American Summer, along with new shows and a lot more family time! Dolly "made time for happy" during her appearances, as she dropped in on shows throughout the park and took a tour of the park to greet all the guests.
Dolly credits her Uncle Bill Owens with being one of her earliest supporters and one of the biggest reasons she reached for her childhood dreams. On March 23, 2013, she dedicated a section of her Chasing Rainbows Museum at Dollywood in honor of Uncle Bill and everything he has done for her. The room features pictures, songs, her very first single and, occasionally, Uncle Bill himself!
