Dollywood Plans to Honor Dolly Parton’s Legacy
Dollywood has shared some heartfelt plans to honor their Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton, and keep her vision alive across the park. Over the next few months and into 2027, guests will see several new additions focused on her music, her faith, and her deep love for the Great Smoky Mountains. Here is a summary of the announcements:
A Serene Update to Robert F. Thomas Chapel
The park’s chapel has always been an important spot for both Dolly and visitors, a place I visit each time and have moments of silent reflection and prayer. Dollywood is adding a cascading waterfall right near the front steps so guests have a peaceful place to sit, reflect and take in the beautiful scenery. Inside the Chapel, they are installing new stained-glass windows inspired by Ecclesiastes 3:1 (“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven“). The artwork will show the changing seasons in the mountains, representing the different chapters of Dolly’s life and career.
New Imagination Library Additions in Wildwood Grove
Dolly’s Imagination Library has put over 330 million books into the hands of children worldwide, and Dollywood is creating a special tribute to that work. In 2027, a new character called the Dream Maker will arrive in Wildwood Grove alongside her Dream Wagon. The idea is to give kids a fun, interactive storytelling spot where they can talk about their own dreams and learn about Dolly’s journey. Dollywood is also setting up kiosks in the area where anyone can leave a note about how Dolly inspired them. This is a beautiful thing the park is doing to allow guests to share their feelings, and I look forward to participating on my next visit!
The Dolly Parton Experience & Welcome Plaza
A memorial currently stands in Dollywood’s welcome plaza for those who wish to remember and celebrate Dolly. The memorial is a special place for all who would like to reflect on her life, honor her profound contributions and celebrate the joy she brought to so many people around the world.
If you have visited recently, you might have seen the memorial set up in the welcome plaza for folks wanting to pay their respects. Along with keeping that space open, Dollywood is building a new entrance portal into The Dolly Parton Experience to give visitors a proper welcome into the exhibits and memorabilia.
“In Dolly’s Footsteps” Walking Tour in Sevierville
The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce is rolling out a self-guided walking tour through town called “In Dolly’s Footsteps.” They are placing historical markers at spots around Sevierville that Dolly and her family spent time at while she was growing up, giving visitors a look at her early roots in East Tennessee.
Dollywood president Eugene Naughton mentioned that the team talked often with Dolly about the future, and their goal is simply to keep growing the park while holding onto the warmth, fun, and kindness she always brought to it. Some beautiful tributes coming from a place where Dolly spread so much support to the community!
If you’d like to see more of Dollywood, and also Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg experiences, the best things to do, see, and eat, and the charming atmosphere that displays why we LOVE Dollywood so much, and why it’s our home away from home theme park, I have a full playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfwwPOxvTRIRUp1-6tYz4b_5jL7TtAhYs
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