Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
- Spring Forward Into Adventure at Dolly Parton’s Stampede - March 27, 2023
- Sail Into Spring Family Fun & Adventure at Pirates Voyage - March 27, 2023
- Dolly Parton Announces New Book “Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones” - March 22, 2023
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,
Blue Sky White Stars
Natsumi’s Song of Summer
Pass It On
