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.”
Celebrating the opening of Dollywood’s historic Wild Eagle, Dolly flew atop the wings of a float themed after a bald eagle during her 27th Annual Dolly Homecoming Parade. She soared above thousands of fans lining the streets of Pigeon Forge where Dollywood is located. Her eye-catching float and feathered jacket reached new heights for the annual parade.
Dolly visited Dollywood to kick off one of its biggest seasons to date, beginning with Festival of Nations and the opening of Wild Eagle, America’s first wing coaster. The festival’s headlining show, "Spirit of the Dance," surprised guests on opening weekend with a walk-on from Dolly herself! Dolly also appeared in two of the festival’s other shows, Argentina’s "Los Pampas Gauchos" and "The Paper Show by Mimirichi" from Ukraine.
The Dollywood 2012 season received five Golden Ticket Awards for Best Food, Friendliest Park, Best New Ride (Wild Eagle), Best Shows and Best Christmas Event.
