Dolly Parton Experience at Dollywood: A Journey Through Music and Heritage
If there’s one thing about Dolly Parton’s 60-plus years’ career, it’s that she can put her sassy trademark stamp on anything and make it distinctively “Dolly.”
Last November, she released her first rock album, Rockstar, to prove she deserved her spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Now, almost four decades after she started welcoming guests to Dollywood Parks & Resorts in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the country legend opened an immersive museum-like attraction called the Dolly Parton Experience.
A New Chapter for Dollywood
Replacing the more traditional Chasing Rainbows Museum, which closed in 2019, the Dolly Parton Experience enhances visitor engagement by tripling the size of the original museum, featuring four distinct spaces. “I really love the fact that the fans can see who I am, where I came from, and what I’ve done,” she said.
The heart of the experience is Songteller: Dolly’s Journey, which follows Parton’s path from her humble Tennessee Smoky Mountain roots in Sevier County. Visitors can see a replica of the “Coat of Many Colors,” hand-sewn by her mom, which inspired the 1971 hit song of the same name. Along the way, guests can enjoy interactive displays, including sitting on a swing from her variety show.
Across the way is Behind the Seams: Dolly’s Life in Rhinestones, taking visitors into a sparkly world showcasing displays of her clothes, jewelry, and the story behind her iconic fashion choices.
Family Affair
Additionally, there’s the DreamSong Theater, featuring a Precious Memories exhibit. This multifaceted display is dedicated to her family and friends and provides an appropriate entrance into the stage, where one of her nieces headlines the theater’s inaugural show. Rounding out this area is one of Parton’s old tour buses, harking back to memories of her childhood.
Up Close and Personal with a New Album
The Dolly Parton Experience invites fans into Parton’s world in a personal way. “A lot of my fans have learned new things,” Parton said of early visitors. This is especially fitting since her upcoming album is family-focused, titled Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables, set to be released on November 15.
Overall, the nature of the exhibits provides a more multi-dimensional immersion into her work, showcasing not only where she has been but also where she is headed.
An Ever-Growing Legacy
“It was just time to modernize the experience,” Parton stated regarding the updates. “You’ve got to roll with the punches and go with the times.” The park has long been part of her dream, originally planted before she became a star. It has transformed into a 160-acre resort with multiple hotels and attractions over the years.
Parton recalled the vision she had during interviews long ago and expressed gratitude toward those who supported her journey. Now, with exciting plans ahead for Dollywood as it enters a new growth phase, with investments of $500 million planned over the next decade, the future continues to shine brightly for the iconic park.
“As long as time lasts, we’ll always have places that people need to go to be entertained,” she said. “Dollywood is that place.”
