Dolly Kicks Off a Summer Worth Celebrating

Published June 28, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Dolly Breaks New Ground This Summer With Over 2 Million Reasons to Celebrate

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.”

Imagination Library Now Gifting Over 2 Million Books Each Month

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!

Dolly Shares Her “Heartsong” About Dollywood’s Newest Resort

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.

All-New Thrills at Dolly’s Dinner Attractions

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!

Dollywood Leads the Way as Tripadvisor’s #1 Theme Park in the U.S.

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.

Music & More

Dolly to Star in “Run, Rose, Run” Feature Film

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.”

“Run, Rose, Run” Now Available

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.

Official “Run, Rose, Run” Merchandise

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.

Songs of Summertime

As we embark on a new season, take time to celebrate all of the moments, big and small, that make summertime so sweet.

“Sweet Summer Lovin’”

(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,

Dolly Parton

Team DollyDolly Kicks Off a Summer Worth Celebrating

New Aerial Act Adds Even More to Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge, TN

Published June 27, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Celebrates 35th Anniversary Season With Thrilling New Segment Featuring Original New Music From Dolly

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.

A Bigger-Than-Life Experience

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.

New Aerial Act at Dolly Parton's Stampede

Four-Course Family Feast

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.

Team DollyNew Aerial Act Adds Even More to Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge, TN

Imagination Library Soars to New Heights This Summer

Published June 23, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Celebrates Significant Milestone, Now Gifting Over 2 Million Books Each Month

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®!

Celebrating 2 Million Books Each Month!

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.

Dolly Visits Imagination Library Statewide Celebrations

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.

Summertime Books to Spark Imagination

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 Stars

From 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 Summer

This 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 On

When you laugh or smile – pass it on! Here’s a heartwarming story about giving, sharing and joy, written and illustrated by Sophy Henn.

 

 

New to the Imagination Library?

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.

Team DollyImagination Library Soars to New Heights This Summer

Sail Into an American Summer of Adventure at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Published June 13, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Kick Off the Summer Season at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

What says summer vacation better than spending quality time with your family and friends at one of the top-rated dinner attractions? At Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, you can experience an action-packed adventure with acrobatic competitions, singing and dancing, and more. Plus, we can’t forget to mention the four-course pirate feast!

For a summer you’ll never forget, plan a visit to Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Myrtle Beach, SC or Pigeon Forge, TN. Here’s what to expect when you visit:

Pirate Battles

Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show features pirate battles on land, on deck, in the water, and high above the full-sized pirate ships in a 15-foot-deep indoor hideaway lagoon! This incredible adventure features sword fights, blazing canyons, and pirates scaling high above the ships as they battle for lost treasure. You’ll also witness mermaids, diving dogs, salty sea lions, and tropical birds joining in on the quest to find the treasure!

A Pirate Feast

Be sure to bring your appetite because the show wouldn’t be the same without the four-course pirate feast. The meal includes the following:

  • Voyager Creamy Vegetable Soup
  • Buccaneer Bread
  • Half O’ Cackler (Chicken)
  • Swashbucklin’ Sugar-Cured Ham
  • Cob O’ Buttery Corn
  • Pirate Herb-Basted Potato
  • Apple O’ Me Eye Pie
  • Unlimited Coca-Cola, tea or coffee

Plus, there are delicious vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free meals available upon request.

Incredible Summer Memories

One thing is for sure: You’ll create incredible, long-lasting memories this summer when you visit Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. Family members of all ages agree that this dinner attraction is an exciting, inspiring, and swashbuckling experience for all hands on deck! Whether you’re visiting with your family, friends, or a large group, Pirates Voyage is a top choice for a fun summer adventure. You’ll be talking about how great the show is with each other long after it’s over!

More About Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Are you ready for an action-packed summer adventure? Visit the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show website for more information and to get your tickets.

Team DollySail Into an American Summer of Adventure at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Stampede Into the Best American Summer at Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Published June 13, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Celebrate Summer and Independence Day at The World’s Most Visited Dinner Attraction!

Are you excited for a fun-filled summer celebrating our beautiful country with your loved ones? Plan a visit to Dolly Parton’s Stampede!

With locations in both Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN, Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a top choice for a place to enjoy food, fun, and a high-spirited adventure. Here are some reasons you should visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede this summer:

1. The Most Fun Place to Eat

Dolly Parton’s Stampede is the most fun place to eat! As you watch the fantastic show, you’ll get to enjoy a four-course family feast. The feast includes Stampede’s Original Creamy Vegetable Soup, a Scrumptious Homemade Biscuit, a Mouth-Watering Tender Whole Rotisserie Chicken, a Delicious Hickory Smoked Barbecued Pork Loin, Buttery Corn on the Cob, a Tasty Herb Basted Potato, Stampede’s Specialty Dessert, and Unlimited Coca-Cola, Tea, or Coffee. There are also delicious dinners for vegetarian and gluten-free guests. While you eat, your eyes will be glued to the arena, where you’ll see impressive horseback riding tricks and stunts, phenomenal music productions, spectacular special effects, and some friendly competition.

2. Beautiful Horses

The animal stars of the show are the 32 magnificent horses. Be sure to arrive at the show early to visit the Horse Walk! At the Horse Walk, visitors have the opportunity to meet the talented animal performers and snap pictures with them. You’ll love getting to see the beautiful horses in the stalls before they entertain you with stunts at top speed!

3. Grand Patriotic Finale

A visit to Dolly Parton’s Stampede is the best way to celebrate summer and Independence Day. Not only is it an incredible celebration of America, but there’s a grand patriotic finale! After a show filled with friendly competition, everyone joins together for one final performance. The patriotic finale features flying doves of peace, and beautiful red, white, and blue costumes! This celebration of American patriotism is the perfect way to kick off a true American summer.

Visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede This Summer

Are you ready to celebrate an American summer? Add a visit to this popular dinner attraction to your summer vacation plans. Visit the Dolly Parton’s Stampede website to see the show schedule and get your tickets!

Team DollyStampede Into the Best American Summer at Dolly Parton’s Stampede