Dolly kicked off one of her favorite seasons at Dollywood with a brand new addition, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Miniature Railroad. This fascinating multi-level model train display spans 1,000 square feet and features six different garden-gauge trains, complete with bridges and a working waterfall.
Dolly’s award-winning festival gives families a place to come together and celebrate Christmas at Dollywood. Dolly said,
“My Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood is that special place where folks can make their memories and celebrate their own traditions with the ones they love. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!”
Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood is presented by Humana.
Some of the biggest names in Southern gospel music, including The McKameys, Karen Peck & New River, Guy Penrod and many more joined Dolly’s theme park, Dollywood, during its 2012 National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration presented by Humana.
Dolly’s love for gospel music and for true artisanship was highlighted during this harvest festival at Dollywood and was pleased to host such a gathering of talent. Dolly said,
“Nothing would make me happier than to be up there on stage with every group, singing and celebrating with each and every one of ‘em during my National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration.”
Dolly’s love for kids is shown again in 2012 with Dollywood's Kidsfest, headlined by Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience. Dolly said,
“Like so many folks, I’m just a huge dog lover. I truly believe they are man—and woman’s—best friends, and I couldn't be happier about giving families a show that goes ‘dog wild’ at my Kidsfest celebration this summer at Dollywood. Our four-legged friends are going to put smiles on everybody’s faces and warm some hearts, too.”
Kidsfest at Dollywood also included "The Gazillion Bubbles Show," an unbelievable display of bubble magic, and Dolly's Imagination Playhouse in which Dolly stars in each show, making a special appearance via the magic screen performing songs she wrote especially for the productions.
Dolly sang her song "From Here to the Moon and Back" on the May 28, 2012, episode of season eight of "The Bachelorette" on ABC. On the episode, she also lends her theme park Dollywood to the bachelorette, Emily Maynard and her date.
Dolly said of the episode,
“Being a part of 'The Bachelorette' at Dollywood and meeting Emily and her date was so fun,” she continued, “I’m just a big ole romantic anyway so we had the best time!”
Emily Maynard chose Dollywood because she loves Dolly,
“One of my favorite moments of my whole life, not just of being the bachelorette, was meeting Dolly Parton. I can’t even put into words how excited I was.”
In addition to her performance of "From Here to the Moon and Back" (originally from the "Joyful Noise" soundtrack), Dolly also performed a song she wrote especially for the show entitled "Love Will Find a Way." On the episode, she also has a girl-to-girl talk with Maynard about what she is looking for in a man.
Award-winning bluegrass artists Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder and Dailey & Vincent headlined Dollywood’s festival. These great acts shared the stage with the mouth-watering barbeque made fresh at the park. Dolly said,
“Who better than Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder to get my Barbeque & Bluegrass festival started! I have a truly special love for bluegrass music, and I’ve invited the very best pickers and singers to perform this year. Having had the privilege to sing with so many of ‘em, I know what a musical treat this is going to be.”
