Dolly Parton Discusses Her Vision for Dollywood’s Future

“I always say, I wake up with new dreams every day. And so do the dreamers here at Dollywood.”

Every year, millions of visitors flock to Pigeon Forge in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains to visit Dolly Parton’s Dollywood. Since the theme park opened in 1986, it has continued to thrive and grow. Today, it’s a destination in itself, featuring Dollywood’s Splash Country water park and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa. Moreover, each new development makes Dollywood bigger and better, while still capturing the essence of Dolly Parton.

From the recreation of her childhood home — the Tennessee mountain home she sings about in the 1973 song of the same name — to the nighttime drone show with a number set to “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” the park immerses visitors in Dolly’s story, music, and the rich culture of her beloved Great Smoky Mountains.

New this summer, guests can spend the night on her tour bus (parked outside Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort) with the Suite 1986 experience. Notably, there’s much more on the horizon, including Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, which is slated to open in late 2023. The new, 302-room property, inspired by another Dolly Parton song, will feature touches reminiscent of the Smokies, family suites, and both indoor and outdoor pools.

With Dolly Parton at the helm as the destination’s “dreamer-in-chief,” Dollywood’s growth isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Dolly Parton at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort to discuss Dollywood’s past, present, and future and what it signifies for her.

iBestTravel: Unlike other theme parks around the United States, Dollywood isn’t based on any franchise or series. It’s about your story and the Great Smoky Mountains, your home. Can you elaborate on why you incorporated these elements into the park?

Dolly Parton: “Anytime you start something, you begin with a dream. If it starts to come true, it expands, and then new ideas emerge. I have always wanted a theme park ever since I started dreaming about being in the business. I thought if I succeed, I’d love to have a park like Dollywood in my home, providing jobs for the community and a delightful experience for locals. Therefore, we decided that the Smoky Mountains and my life theme would be central, incorporating my story as it has unfolded.”

I’ve had wonderful individuals who saw my vision and helped me along the way. The Herschend family, who already had Silver Dollar City, partnered with me. When I expressed my ambition to build a park, they encouraged a collaborative approach, expanding on our original ideas.

What do you desire for guests to take away from their visit?

“I want them to feel that it’s the best time they’ve ever had. To experience unmatched hospitality and say, ‘I can’t wait to return next year.'”

Your musical influence is evident throughout the park. Is there a specific song that resonates with you when you enter Dollywood?

“When I drive into the area, I think of my song ‘My Tennessee Mountain Home.’ Songs like ‘Coat of Many Colors’ evoke memories scattered around the park, and that particular song encapsulates the essence of my environment and its significance to me.”

Is that sentiment of nostalgia present when you walk into Dollywood?

“Absolutely. I feel a sense of happiness and gratitude. It humbles me to think of all my dreams that have come true, resulting from the support from wonderful individuals. It’s genuinely exciting to see the evolution of this little park since our inception in 1986. Each year brings something new, and we remain responsive to what our guests desire.”

The park has grown significantly over the last 40 years. Can you share what’s in store for Dollywood’s future?

“HeartSong is our new lodge. Already, the DreamMore Resort has been highly successful, so we anticipate continued growth. We envision creating more resorts and expanding with new rides and attractions that cater to families and guests of all ages. We emphasize bringing the essence of the Smoky Mountains into our settings, thus offering an immersive experience.”

Additionally, you’ve introduced the chance to sleep on your tour bus. What inspired this addition to the Dollywood experience?

“We love the concept because the Dollywood Suite at the DreamMore Resort is highly popular. The revenue from that suite supports the Dollywood Foundation, which runs the Imagination Library. Now, guests can walk through one of my tour buses at the Chasing Rainbows Museum, and experience it firsthand in Suite 1986. The money generated also contributes to the Imagination Library.”

(Profits from every stay are donated to the Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit established by Dolly Parton in 1988. The Imagination Library is the foundation’s signature program, distributing millions of books to children globally.)

What elements of the bus do you think will surprise fans?

“I believe they’ll enjoy the authenticity… We’ve preserved some of my show clothes and instruments there. Fans can see how I prepared for shows, including my vanity for makeup. It’s a true glimpse into my life on the bus.”

What do you envision for the continued growth of Dollywood over the next decade or two?

“We possess significant land and strive to acquire more. We aim to implement new attractions and plan for at least three additional resorts. We’re dedicated to ensuring there are exciting rides for families and children of all ages. I am the dreamer-in-chief, basing our developments on my current life and career, hoping to leave a legacy that my family will cherish while providing enjoyment for visitors and jobs for the community.”

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.