Dolly Parton’s Extraordinary World-Class Theme Park Reaches New Heights
By Julie Matthews
Marking its 40th anniversary season in 2025, Dollywood Parks & Resorts has much to celebrate. Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the award-winning Dollywood is the theme park created by legendary songwriter and entertainer, and global icon, Dolly Parton. Much like its Dreamer-in-Chief, Dollywood has persevered and evolved over the decades, and just gets better with each year.
Ranked as the number one theme park in the United States in 2024 according to Tripadvisor reviews, Dollywood is a 165-acre, family-friendly vacation destination that is truly next level, featuring thrilling rides and state-of-the-art shows to premier festivals. And as the park opened for the 2025 season, it was announced that exciting new additions are in the pipeline.
“Dollywood Parks & Resorts is growing at a rate that many people wouldn’t believe,” said Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton in a news release from the park’s 40th anniversary season opening event. “We had record attendance last year, and we’re setting ourselves up with continued growth thanks to our 40th anniversary season this year and what’s up ahead due to our 2026 attraction. We’re not ready to share the details, but I can tell you it will be a revolutionary new experience unlike ANYTHING anywhere else in the world. We’re able to add these experiences because of the unwavering support of our guests and the dedication of our hosts to create the friendliest and most welcoming theme park environment in the industry. This is our 40th anniversary season, but I can promise you, we’re just getting started.”
Along with commemorating the theme park’s 40-year milestone, in 2025 the park is celebrating additional significant anniversaries including Dollywood’s Splash Country entering its 25th season and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa’s 10th year of operation.
With a remarkably wide range of amusements and attractions, Dollywood really does have something for the whole family. Listed as one of the “Top Five Best New Theme Park” attractions in 2024 by USA Today, The Dolly Parton Experience, an interactive attraction added to the park in 2024, takes park guests on a voyage through Dolly’s life story. Thrill seekers have their pick of numerous exciting rides, such as Big Bear Mountain, Thunderhead and Wild Eagle. Kids will love the selection of rides and experiences in the park’s Wildwood Grove section, and the Dollywood Express Train Depot is a classic family experience the entire group will enjoy.
Throughout the year Dollywood entertains guests with award-winning festivals and events. Some top 2025 events coming up include: Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City, June 14-Aug. 3; Harvest Festival presented by Humana, Sept. 12-Oct. 27; and Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, Nov. 1-Jan. 4, 2026.
The Imagination Playhouse is another must-do while at Dollywood and as of 2025 is now a regular feature at the park. This attraction presents plays based on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library books, a colossal worldwide program that is also marking a milestone in 2025 with its 30th anniversary. Thanks to Dolly’s beloved project, more than 270 million books have been gifted to children under age five around the globe. This is just one of many incredible philanthropic initiatives belonging to Dolly and her Dollywood Foundation. Through the years Dolly has served as a pillar of support to her Tennessee community, with her charitable efforts including providing generous donations in times of need after natural disasters, such as Hurricane Helene in fall 2024.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Dolly’s fan base—widely spanning from local communities to entertainment audiences—continues to grow with her good will reciprocated. From her kind acts of service to her talents as a songwriter and a performer to her impressive business acumen demonstrated through the decades, the world’s admiration for Dolly is widespread and heartfelt. Simply put, we all love Dolly. And there is no better time than now to come celebrate the one-of-a-kind legend and her marvelous theme park.
Dolly’s reflection on Dollywood’s historic 40th anniversary was shared in a news release about the park’s 2025 season grand opening. “On opening day in 1986, I was just hoping that people would really want to come visit a theme park with my name on it,” said Dolly. “And even though I always try to dream big, I’ll admit I was a little bit nervous that first morning. But people did come out to support us that first day, and I’m so proud to see that Dollywood has continued to grow through the years to become a place of fun and togetherness for everyone who has come to visit.”
For more information
about Dollywood, visit Dollywood.com.
