Dolly launched her "Blue Smoke" World Tour in Rancho Mirage, California, playing to more than 40 audiences across North America, Europe, and Australia.
She mentioned how excited she was to start the tour,
“It’s always great to perform at home in the good ole USA. We’re kicking off our Blue Smoke World Tour right here at home. I love traveling all over the world, but it’s true, there’s nothing like home.”
Dolly toured in support of her 42nd studio album "Blue Smoke," the title of which comes from the Cherokee word "Sha-Kon-O-Hey," which means "Land of the Blue Smoke."
The tour was officially announced on "The Queen Latifah Show" in October 2013.
Dollywood, with Dolly’s help, expanded its entertainment lineup to welcome "Sha-Kon-A-Hey! Land of Blue Smoke," the most elaborate musical production in the park’s 24-year history. Dolly said,
“Having grown up and lived in the heart of these beautiful mountains, my love for this area is deep, genuine and heartfelt. Sha-Kon-O-Hey! celebrates the wonderful people, music and proud heritage of this spectacular place,”
With Dolly’s help, Dollywood also added "Le Grande Cirque’s Imaginé," showcasing international performers from around the world.
“I’m proud that Dollywood offers families a great place to spend time together, and this year, they get to enjoy two incredible new shows that I’m especially excited about. There’s special effects and things I’ve only dreamed about, and some great music, some I even wrote myself, that’s absolutely going to leave folks speechless. Maybe even me, too!”
Dolly is proud of her Tennessee Mountain Home, so when officials from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) asked her to serve as the park’s celebrity ambassador during its 75th anniversary, she answered with a resounding YES! Dolly said,
"Having grown up and lived in the heart of these beautiful mountains, my love for this area is deep and genuine. The mountains have inspired so much of my music, and through my songs, I’ve always been sort of an unofficial ambassador for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I’m truly honored to join this yearlong celebration."
To commemorate the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th anniversary, Dollywood unveiled a new show, "Sha-Kon-O-Hey!." The 45-minute musical production incorporated scenic elements and stage effects never before seen at Dollywood. "Sha-Kon-O-Hey!" captured the spirit of the mountains and the rich heritage of the people who call them home. The title, Sha-Kon-O-Hey is the phonetic spelling of "Shaconage," the Cherokee word which means "land of the blue smoke."
