Summer has finally arrived, giving families everywhere lots to celebrate! Whether traveling for vacation or just enjoying the simple pleasures found at home, summertime gives us all a chance to make new memories with friends and family, soak up the sunshine and count all of life's blessings. And, when it comes to counting your blessings, Dolly continues to reach new milestones and break new ground!
“Well, right now I have more blessings than I can even count! I’ve always been so proud of my Imagination Library, and now to have over 2 million children getting free books every month, well it's just more than I ever dreamed would happen.”
Dolly’s Imagination Library welcomes summer by celebrating one of its biggest milestones ever! As of June 2022, there are over 2 million children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. That means the Imagination Library is now gifting over 2 MILLION BOOKS to children around the world each and every month — that’s 1 book every 1.4 seconds! Many thanks to our over 2,800 dedicated local affiliates around the world for helping Imagination Library reach this incredible milestone!
With Dollywood’s status as a top destination in the country for families, there will soon be even more reason for families to come and enjoy a stay in the Smokies, with the 2023 opening of Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge & Resort, adjacent to Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. On Friday, June 24, Dolly made her first appearance at the Heartsong Lodge & Resort construction site, where she shared her vision for the 302-room resort while also sharing stories about why the Great Smoky Mountains still remain a sought-after respite for her during her hectic schedule. Dolly shared,
"With the new HeartSong Resort opening soon, I’m just thrilled that even more families will get to visit Dollywood and enjoy spending a little time here in the Smoky Mountains."
To top off her appearance, Dolly offered an exclusive look at Suite 1986—Dolly’s former tour bus, which has been turned into the ultimate hotel suite, residing at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.
To celebrate its 35th season this year, Dolly’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge premiers an all-new thrilling and moving performance segment combining the show’s equestrian stars, breathtaking aerial acrobatics and an original new song from Dolly, titled "Wild Horses." With locations in both Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN, Dolly Parton’s Stampede is an incredible show filled with friendly competition, high-spirited adventure and a four-course family feast.
Buccaneers of all ages are invited to set sail into summer at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach! This incredible adventure features everything from sword fights to a battle for lost treasure, plus a delicious Pirate Feast. Whether you’re visiting with your family, friends or a large group, Pirates Voyage is a top choice for a fun summer adventure!
Recently named Tripadvisor’s number one theme park in the nation, Dollywood kicks off its Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration with new experiences, returning guest favorites and extended summer hours throughout the festival, which runs until August 7. Based on actual reviews left by guests about their time spent in the theme park, Dollywood ranked #1 in the Travelers’ Choice Top 25 Amusement Parks in the United States and #8 on the Travelers’ Choice Top 25 Worldwide Amusement Parks list, reflecting the hard work and dedication that goes into making Dollywood a world-class experience and such a great place for families.
Dollywood’s Splash Country splashes into another summer of fun in the sun, now open for its 22nd season until September 5. Nestled right next to Dollywood, the region’s friendliest and most trusted water park offers a resort-style getaway with an upgraded park experience this summer, including a new zero-depth entry play space, more entertainment and new dining opportunities.
In a highly competitive bidding situation, Sony Pictures has landed the film adaptation of “Run, Rose, Run.” Dolly and James Patterson will produce the feature film alongside Reese Witherspoon, via her Hello Sunshine banner. Dolly will be writing original songs for the big-screen adaptation, in addition to producing and starring in the film, marking the first time she will have a starring role on the big screen since her popular 1992 flick, “Straight Talk.”
Dolly’s highly-anticipated first novel, co-written with best-selling author James Patterson, is now available. Also offered is the companion album, which features 12 original songs by Dolly! The album debuted at #1 on the Current Country Albums, American/Folk and Bluegrass charts, with the novel spending five weeks atop The New York Times Best Seller list — making it the longest-running #1 New York Times Best Seller of the decade and the bestselling novel of the year.
Exclusive “Run, Rose, Run” merchandise, created for Dolly’s latest album and book release, is available now! Each item complements the music and the story as told by Dolly Parton.
As we embark on a new season, take time to celebrate all of the moments, big and small, that make summertime so sweet.
(Blaise Tosti / George Reneau)
Though the sun may be dawning
You’re the one that lights the morning
As I awake to the heaven
Of your sweet summer lovin’
By a stream in the country
Running barefoot and feeling free
While the love in our hearts blend
Into sweet summer lovin’
Love,
In a highly competitive bidding situation, Sony Pictures has landed the film adaptation of “Run, Rose, Run,” set to star 11-time Grammy-winning and two-time Academy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Dolly Parton.
“I am thrilled to be bringing ‘Run, Rose, Run’ to Sony Pictures,” Dolly shared. “I'm looking forward to working with Sony and being in the movie as well. It's a good time to be excited, working with some of my favorite people.”
Dolly’s first novel, “Run, Rose, Run,” co-written with best-selling author James Patterson, has remained a New York Times best-seller since its publication by Little, Brown & Company on March 7. A novel glittering with danger and desire, the story is about a young woman who heads to Nashville to pursue her music-making dreams and is taken under the wing of a giant female musical icon. The source of their heart-wrenching songs are secrets that both have tried to hide. Featuring twelve original songs that tie into the storyline, Dolly also released a companion album of the same name through her own Butterfly Records, which debuted to number 1 on the Current Country Albums, American/Folk and Bluegrass charts.
“Run, Rose, Run” debuted at the number 1 spot on The New York Times bestseller list and spent 5 weeks at #1, making it the longest-running #1 New York Times bestseller of the decade and the bestselling novel of the year. The book’s success led to a fierce bidding war when the film project was announced shortly after, and it was Sony’s commitment to a theatrical release that secured the deal.
Dolly and James Patterson, via his company James Patterson Entertainment, will produce the feature alongside Reese Witherspoon via her Hello Sunshine banner, which worked with Sony Pictures on the upcoming adaptation of best-seller “Where the Crawdads Sing.” Lauren Neustadter is also producing for Hello Sunshine with Ashley Strumwasser executive producing, while Maia Eyre will oversee the project for Sony Pictures.
James Patterson said, “I want to watch this movie and say ‘I love this film.’ And that’s exactly why I’m so excited to be working with Hello Sunshine and Sony Pictures. They’re the best at what they do.”
“Dolly Parton and Jim Patterson. Are you kidding me? An entirely unique dynamic duo. Plus Hello Sunshine! We feel lucky as hell and grateful,” said Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group.
Having starred in hit films including ‘9 to 5,” “Steel Magnolias” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”, “Run, Rose, Run” marks the first time Dolly will have a starring role on the big screen since her popular 1992 flick, “Straight Talk.” In addition to starring in and producing the film, Dolly will also be writing original songs to be featured in the big-screen adaptation.
Reese Witherspoon shared, “Counting my lucky stars that I get to collaborate with this dream team! Working with Dolly and James, who are both master storytellers, is a dream come true for me. I am overjoyed to have Sony Pictures on board as we work alongside Dolly Parton – a luminous personality, magnetic presence, and brilliant songwriter and storyteller – to bring Dolly’s gripping and heartbreaking story to the screen. We hope that this film will not only entertain but also inspire women and girls everywhere to keep dreaming.”
After the cold winter months, there’s so much for everyone to look forward to with the arrival of spring. The birds start chirping, the flowers start blooming and sunshine warms our days and our hearts. Dolly sends some of that sunshine our way by sharing what she loves about springtime.
“I just want to take a minute to wish everybody a happy springtime! What I love about spring is that the days start getting longer, the sun seems to shine a little brighter, and we really get to see all of God’s beauty blossom right in front of our eyes. There may be a few April showers here and there, but you know what I always say, ‘If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain!’”
Dollywood welcomes guests to celebrate the beauty of springtime during their annual Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health, happening April 22 – June 5. This popular event delights guests with hundreds of thousands of brilliant flowers, truly bringing spring in the Smokies alive throughout the park. And, in 2022, this event blooms with even more fun and discovery around every corner, thanks to several new larger-than-life Mosaicultures floral sculptures.
Dolly’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge and Branson welcomes families to kick off the spring season with an evening of action-packed fun. Enjoy a bountiful four-course feast while delighting in a thrilling show filled with singing and dancing, impressive horse-riding stunts, family-friendly comedy and more.
At Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach, buccaneers of all ages are invited to set sail into a fun spring season. This exciting adventure features everything from pirates battling for hidden treasure to high-diving mermaids, plus a delicious Pirate Feast. Come join in the fun!
Dolly’s Imagination Library welcomes the arrival of spring by celebrating the growth of the childhood literacy program, putting free books into the hands of more children than ever before! In Canada, the Imagination Library recently kicked off the province-wide expansion of Dolly’s book gifting program across Newfoundland and Labrador. In the United States, the Imagination Library celebrated National Read Across America Day (March 2) by announcing that the program would be expanding statewide in Washington!
Dolly took the stage on March 7 to host the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards, which streamed live without commercial interruption from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Dolly’s hosting appearance marked the first time the awards show was broadcast in the streaming format, airing exclusively on Prime Video.
Dolly’s eagerly-anticipated first novel, co-authored with New York Times Best Seller James Patterson, is now available. Glittering with danger and desire, “Run, Rose, Run” is a thriller about a young singer-songwriter on the rise and on the run, determined to do whatever it takes to survive. This riveting novel is now available for purchase in hardcover, ebook and audiobook.
Dolly’s latest album, “Run, Rose, Run,” serves as a companion to the original novel, enhancing the reader’s experience with 12 original songs by Dolly that tie into the book’s story line. The album is available now on all digital streaming platforms and as a digital download, as well as on CD, standard vinyl and some special vinyl color variants.
Dolly is set to star in Hello Sunshine’s feature film adaptation of “Run, Rose, Run,” her recently-released novel, co-authored by James Patterson. Dolly and James will produce the feature alongside Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine’s President of Film and Television, Lauren Neustadter.
Exclusive “Run, Rose, Run” merchandise, created for Dolly’s latest album and book release, is available now! Each item complements the story and music as told by Dolly Parton.
Spring is a time when all the world bursts forth with the beauty of new life. As sunlight breaks through the rain clouds, take time to look for the rainbows that start to appear. Let this beautiful time of year bring you joy and fill your heart with a song.
Together you and I can stop the rain and make the sun shine
Paint a pretty rainbow brushed with love across the sky
Together you and I belong like a songbird and a song
And we’ll always be together you and I
Love,
Dolly Parton is set to star in Hello Sunshine’s feature film adaptation of "Run, Rose, Run," her recently-released novel, co-authored by James Patterson.
Dolly and James will produce the feature alongside Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine’s President of Film and Television, Lauren Neustadter. Ashley Strumwasser will executive produce for Hello Sunshine.
“I'm proud, excited and honored to be working with my good friend Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine on the movie of 'Run, Rose, Run' from the novel I co-wrote with James Patterson," Dolly said. "James and I love Reese and look forward to working with her and her wonderful team.”
Published on March 7, 2022, by Little, Brown and Company, the novel "Run, Rose, Run" debuted at #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list. Dolly also released a companion album of the same title on March 4, 2022, through her Butterfly Records label. The album debuted at #1 on the Current Country albums, Americana/Folk and Bluegrass charts.
Set in Nashville, "Run, Rose, Run" is about a young woman who comes to country music’s capital city to pursue her music-making dreams. The source of her heart-wrenching songs is a brutal secret she has tried desperately to hide, but the past she has fled is reaching out to control her future—and it may destroy everything she has worked for.
“It has been a joy working with Dolly Parton on this book," James said. "It’s a great story that we are both proud of. And, in partnership with Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine, we will produce a great movie.”
Reese Witherspoon shared,
"Growing up in Nashville, I’ve loved Dolly since the moment I heard her magical voice and saw her luminous personality shine onstage. Beyond her magnetic presence as an artist and performer, she is one of the greatest songwriters and storytellers of our time. Her impact knows no bounds — as a musician, actor, writer, businesswoman, activist and all around incredible human being — Dolly Parton is not only an icon to me, but a true inspiration to women and girls everywhere.
"My admiration for [Dolly] grew to even greater heights when reading 'Run, Rose, Run,' a gripping and heartbreaking book I couldn't put down. I couldn’t feel more honored to be working alongside her and James to bring this remarkable story to the screen."
Get Dolly’s latest album, “Run, Rose, Run,” available now on all digital streaming platforms and as a digital download, as well as on CD, standard vinyl and some special vinyl color variants. The novel, co-authored by James Patterson, is now available in stores and online in hardcover, ebook and audiobook.
Musical icon Dolly Parton teamed up with world-renowned bestselling author, James Patterson, to write her first-ever novel. “Run, Rose, Run” is a fiction thriller about a young singer-songwriter on the rise and on the run, determined to do whatever it takes to survive. The highly-anticipated novel is now available for purchase, along with the companion album. Dolly and James are embarking on a virtual book tour in support of the new releases.
Dolly Parton and James Patterson have launched a virtual book tour to celebrate the release of their novel, “Run, Rose, Run.” The tour began streaming live Sunday, March 6, with the exclusive “Run, Rose, Run” Virtual Book Launch Event, sponsored by the American Booksellers Association in support of independent booksellers. Other virtual engagements will be organized through major booksellers, including Books-A-Million, Indigo, Waterstones, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AARP Book, now through Friday, March 25.
Wednesday, March 9
BOOKS-A-MILLION VIRTUAL EVENT
2:00 PM PT/5:00 PM ET
INDIGO VIRTUAL EVENT
4:00 PM PT/7:00 PM ET
Thursday, March 10
FANE ONLINE VIRTUAL EVENT (UK)
1:30 PM ET/6:30 PM GMT
Wednesday, March 16
AMAZON LIVE VIRTUAL EVENT
1:30 PM PT/4:30 PM ET
BARNES & NOBLE VIRTUAL EVENT
3:00 PM PT/6:00 PM ET
Friday, March 25
AARP BOOKS VIRTUAL EVENT
3:00 PM PT/6:00 PM ET
Your ticket includes admission to the exclusive event and a hardcover copy of “Run, Rose, Run” ($30 retail price), as well as sales tax, shipping, and handling (if applicable). Visit jamespatterson.com/events for attendance information and to purchase tickets.
Dolly’s latest album, “Run, Rose, Run,” is available now on all digital streaming platforms and as a digital download, as well as on CD, standard vinyl and some special vinyl color variants. The album serves as a companion to the original novel, “Run, Rose, Run,” which Dolly co-authored with James Patterson.
Exclusive “Run, Rose, Run” merchandise, created for Dolly’s latest album and book release, is available now. Each item complements the story and music as told by Dolly Parton. Get Dolly’s new album “Run, Rose, Run” and order the novel today.
