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!
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.”
