The sun is shining, the days are longer, and summer is officially in full swing! As a true lover of all things summer, Dolly embraces the joy, warmth and freedom that this time of year brings.
“Summer is when everything comes alive,” Dolly says. “It’s a time to let loose, have fun and create unforgettable memories.”
This summer, Dolly is not only enjoying the simple pleasures of the season, she’s been busy making headlines with her latest projects and achievements, giving everyone even more reason to celebrate alongside her as she continues to soar to new heights.
Dolly joined forces with some of Rock music’s most legendary artists, along with today’s biggest stars, for her first-ever Rock album, Rockstar. Inspired by her 2022 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dolly teamed up with an all-star roster of musicians for the 30-song collection, which includes 9 original tracks and 21 iconic rock anthems. Releasing November 17, 2023, Rockstar is now available for pre-order and will also be available as a 4 LP set, 2 CD set, digital download and for streaming on all digital service platforms.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library opens a new chapter this summer as they celebrate a huge milestone in early childhood literacy, surpassing 200 million books gifted globally since 1995, thanks to over 2,800 local affiliates around the world who are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books each month to children. With the rollout of new statewide programs in California and Montana, they’re expanding access to free books, inspiring children everywhere to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More!
Stampede into summer fun at the world’s most visited dinner attraction, Dolly Parton’s Stampede. With locations in Branson, MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN, get ready for friendly competition, thrilling horse riding stunts, phenomenal musical productions and more — not to mention a delicious four-course feast!
Are you ready to spend your summer on a swashbuckling adventure? Visit Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Myrtle Beach, SC, or Pigeon Forge, TN. Both locations take guests on an epic pirate journey featuring high seas escapades and romance, complemented with a hearty four- course pirate feast.
Experience the ultimate summer adventure at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 17 – Aug. 6). With thrilling rides, captivating shows and the new Big Bear Mountain attraction, this summer will be unforgettable. Enjoy the mesmerizing “Sweet Summer Nights” with dazzling drones and fireworks, interactive water shows, bubble-filled fun, live entertainment and delicious seasonal treats. With extended park hours, guests can make memories until 9:30 p.m. and stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa for a complete summer getaway.
Nestled adjacent to Dollywood theme park, there is no better way to spend the hotter, longer days than at Dollywood’s Splash Country. East Tennessee’s friendliest water park is now open for its 23rd season until September 10, with more shade, more food and more opportunities to make a splash all summer long.
Bookings have begun for Dollywood’s newest resort property, the much-anticipated HeartSong Lodge & Resort, where guests can start making reservations for stays this fall. The earliest available stay date is November 3, 2023. Created with the same award-winning service and attention to detail made famous at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, HeartSong Lodge & Resort adds to the welcoming hospitality offerings guests have come to expect when visiting Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
Dolly keeps making waves with her upcoming Rockstar album, releasing on November 17. Witness Dolly’s rock star dominance as “Bygones” (ft. Rob Halford) with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5 becomes her 2nd consecutive #1 self-penned rock song on the Classic Rock Songs chart, following the smash hit “World On Fire,” as seen in her electrifying performance at the ACM Awards! Plus, don’t miss “Magic Man (Carl Version)” (ft. Ann Wilson) with special guest Howard Leese. Get ready for rock and roll magic!
In a thrilling new collaboration, Dolly joins forces with fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Slash and talented Chris Janson in their latest song, “21 Forever.” The soaring track is now available to stream, from Chris Jansen’s album The Outlaw Side of Me.
As we savor the sun-kissed days and embrace the carefree spirit of summer, let’s celebrate the happy moments, big and small, that make this season so wonderful.
Sittin’ on the front porch on a summer afternoon
In a straightback chair on two legs, leaned against the wall
Watch the kids a playin’ with June bugs on a string
And chase the glowin’ fireflies when evening shadows fall
In my Tennessee mountain home
Life is as peaceful as a baby’s sigh
In my Tennessee mountain home
Crickets sing in the fields near by
Love,
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library opens a new chapter this summer as the program celebrates a significant milestone in early childhood literacy, while continuing its expansion efforts with the rollout of new statewide programs!
Dolly’s book-gifting program has gifted over 211 million books to children across the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia and the Republic of Ireland. As we enter into summer, the Imagination Library continues to inspire more children around the world to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More!
Thanks to over 2,800 local affiliates around the world who are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books each month to children, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has reached a remarkable milestone, surpassing 200 million books gifted globally since the program’s inception in 1995!
To commemorate this global milestone, seven enchanting Dolly bookmarks will be
randomly hidden inside Imagination Library books gifted during International Literacy Month
(September) to children/families currently enrolled in the program around the world. (Children must be enrolled by July 31, 2023, to receive Imagination Library books in September).
Seven random children/families in five countries who find the Dolly bookmarks in their Imagination Library books will receive, if they choose, a video chat with Dolly, a personalized signed letter from Dolly, an autographed photo from Dolly and four Dollywood Theme Park tickets. The Dollywood Foundation will also donate $2,000 USD/CAD/AUD or £2,000 GBP, on behalf of the child, to their Local Imagination Library Partner as a thank you to those who Dolly calls the true heroes of her program.
To learn more, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/200-million-books.
Dolly’s renowned early childhood literacy program has recently made significant strides in expanding its reach by launching statewide expansions in California and Montana. These expansions mark an exciting development in providing access to free books for children in these states, furthering the program's mission of inspiring a love of reading and learning in children from birth to age five.
In addition, California is the first state to provide a bilingual book language option where children and their families can elect to receive 100% bilingual English/Spanish books. When California’s statewide expansion is complete, it will be the largest Imagination Library statewide program in the nation.
Made possible by bipartisan legislation which was signed into law by Governor Newsom last year, it allows
all California children under the age of five the eligibility to enroll in the program and receive a free book every month, regardless of household income. The program is currently active in areas across 30 counties in California. With this expansion, the program is expected to fully cover the entire state, providing universal access to free books in the mail every month, including bilingual options, for approximately 2 million children over the next several years.
In Montana, free books are now available to children ages birth to five years old in every county, regardless of household income. Montana’s Imagination Library currently has 63 local program partners serving more than 13,000 of the state’s nearly 61,000 eligible children under age five. Montana is the sixteenth state to commit to achieving statewide coverage, with First Lady Gianforte announcing her Treasure State Foundation is supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in all 56 Montana counties.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and learning by gifting books, free of charge, to families via funding shared by Dolly and local community partners. Summer is a wonderful time of year to spark the imagination, not only by spending more time playing, but also by spending more time reading! Here are a few of the specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this summer.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First SummerIn this vibrant book by Eric Carle, join the Very Hungry Caterpillar on a sunny summer day and enjoy everything the season has to offer!
Wonder WalkersImaginations will soar as readers take in the splendors of nature in this beautiful book by Micha Archer.
The Beastly BunchCelebrate the power of kindness and inclusivity with this vibrant, riotous picture book from Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and Pippa Curnick, reminding readers that true fabulousness shines from within!
Check availability in your area to register a child, sign up to receive a notification when the Imagination Library becomes available to you or learn more about how to Start A Program in your area.
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,
For guests taking in Dolly Parton’s Stampede during its 35th season in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, an all-new thrilling and moving performance segment has been added to this dinner show — combining the show’s equestrian stars, breathtaking aerial acrobatics and original new music from Dolly herself.
This addition truly multiplies the excitement at the Stampede, as the segment kicks off with performers riding astride horseback on “wild horses.” After taking a lap around the Stampede, the performers’ aerial talents take them to new heights high above the arena floor, while a new Dolly Parton original song aptly titled “Wild Horses” sets the scene for a breathtaking display guests won’t want to miss.
While guests will be thrilled by the new show segment, the Stampede experience begins outside the main arena. Guests can get up close and personal with some of the show’s “mane” stars at the Horse Walk. Everything in Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner and show – from the first feat of the talented equestrian performers to the last bite of the delicious four-course feast – is bigger than life. Guests enter the 35,000 square foot arena where the main show begins with the cast leading the show’s 32 magnificent horses through a series of truly extraordinary equestrian feats of skill and daring. Thanks to a state-of-the-art LED backdrop wall, guests are immersed into an experience set in America’s Great Plains of yesteryear, where live buffalo and thundering longhorns roam and settlers bring the American West to life. With singing, dancing, special effects, the new amazing aerial act and impressive displays of horse-riding skills, guests truly feel like they are on the American frontier and then nestled under the stars in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Guests are welcome to laugh and enjoy as they are treated to Stampede’s delicious four-course family feast which includes creamy vegetable soup, a homemade buttery biscuit, a whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked barbequed pork loin, buttery corn on the cob, herb-basted potato, Stampede’s own specialty dessert and unlimited beverages including Coca-Cola® products, tea and coffee. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals available upon request.
Known as “The Smokies Most Fun Place To Eat,” Dolly Parton’s Stampede features an exciting line-up that provides an unmatched show combined with dinner experience. The result is entertainment that is the highlight of any getaway or night out, and the unique dinner show is known for creating memories for its guests that they will hold onto for a lifetime.
Show times and reservations are available by calling 865-453-4400 or visiting www.dpstampede.com.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library soars into summer by celebrating significant milestones in early childhood literacy, while inspiring children to love to read with an imaginative selection of summer books!
Dolly’s childhood literacy program has gifted over 184 million books to children across the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia and the Republic of Ireland. As we enter into summer, the Imagination Library continues to inspire more children around the world to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More®!
Thanks to over 2,800 local affiliates around the world who are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books to children, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has reached an amazing milestone which, at one time, seemed like only a dream.
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!
This is truly incredible, as after launching in 1995, it took 21 years to reach the milestone of 1 million children enrolled in the program. Now, in only five years and six months, enrollment has doubled, with over 2 million children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library around the world.
On May 5, Dolly traveled across the country to visit the statewide celebrations of her Imagination Library in Delaware and Arkansas. Capping each appearance with a special musical performance, Dolly arrived in-person to congratulate these states on the significant achievement of full statewide coverage and on the eligibility of every child under five to enroll in her Imagination Library. The events were broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook, and you can catch Dolly’s appearances at the celebrations by watching the replays, now available to stream online.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and learning by gifting books, free of charge, to families via funding shared by Dolly and local community partners. Summer is a wonderful time of year to spark the imagination, not only by spending more time playing, but also by spending more time reading! Here are a few of the specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this summer.
Blue Sky White StarsFrom the view of the Statue of Library at Ellis Island to civil rights marchers shoulder to shoulder, beautifully rich paintings illustrate American history in "Blue Sky White Stars," written by Sarvinder Naberhaus with illustrations by Kadir Nelson.
Natsumi's Song of SummerThis sweet and gentle picture book, written by Robert Paul Weston and illustrated by Misa Saburi, celebrates summer in Japan, as one little girl shares her love for bugs with her cousin who is visiting from America.
Pass It OnWhen you laugh or smile – pass it on! Here's a heartwarming story about giving, sharing and joy, written and illustrated by Sophy Henn.
Check availability in your area to register a child, sign up to receive a notification when the Imagination Library becomes available to you or learn more about how to Start A Program in your area.
