Dolly sent riders on an explosive new ride featuring the world’s first spiral-loop coaster. Tennessee Tornado at Dollywood features back-to-back 360-degree loops. It is the first spiral loop coaster and was named 1999’s top scream machine by the American Coaster Enthusiasts.
Dolly opted out of riding the fastest roller coaster at Dollywood. Instead, she sent a train full of Dolly look-a-likes blasting out of the station on their first Tennessee Tornado ride!
Dollywood also became the headquarters of the Southern Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame and Museum. The new facility honored the genre’s legends with interactive displays. It featured more than 350 artifacts and a recording studio. Built adjacent to Showstreet Palace Theater, the Southern Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame debuted during Dollywood’s Southern Gospel Jubilee. Dolly sang alongside some of her Southern gospel friends as they performed a concert at Dollywood.
Dolly, along with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, won the 1999 GRAMMY Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for their version of the song "After the Gold Rush" from their album "Trio 2." The song, a cover tune written by Neil Young, originally appeared on his 1970 album "After the Gold Rush." Emmylou Harris accepted the award on February 23, 2000, in a pre-show ceremony. This is Dolly's fifth GRAMMY win.
Dollywood celebrated Dolly’s story in 1998 with the addition of "Paradise Road: The Life and Songs of Dolly Parton." The major Broadway-style show chronicled the superstar’s amazing career. Dolly lent her life story and her songs to a young Janelle Arthur as she played little Dolly. The production was showcased in Celebrity Theater.
Dollywood’s 13th season also marked the opening of Daredevil Falls. It was a unique waterfall ride featuring a 63 mph free fall. Dolly opened Daredevil Falls with a little help from the flying Elvises. As the flying Elvises flew overhead Dolly introduced the world to the tallest and fastest flume ride in the United States.
Dolly make an appearance in the made-for-television film biopic "Get to the Heart - The Barbara Mandrell Story" which originally aired on CBS on, Sept. 28, 1997. The movie covers Barbara’s life from her early musical promise through stardom to her near-fatal car crash and recovery. The movie was based on Mandrell's autobiography, "Get to the Heart: My Story" published in 1990.
New entertainment offerings marked Dollywood's season 12 with the addition of three new shows. American Dream was a country music show starring Randy Parton. Country Treasures was a dynamic production show highlighted by comedy performances by Grand Ole Opry legends, Shenani-Guns. U Pick Nick was a Nickelodeon®-themed high-energy kids show.
Imagination Station introduced one of the world’s largest LEGO® play areas. By broadening the scope of entertainment selection at the theme park, Dollywood provided quality entertainment options for everyone in the family! In the fall, an expanded Harvest Celebration and Southern Gospel Jubilee opened. It allowed families to hear the soulful sounds of some of Dolly’s favorite Southern gospel music and enjoy the splendor of fall in the Smokies.
