Dollywood to Celebrate Dolly Parton With New Installations and Experiences

Eugene Naughton, the president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, revealed plans during a press conference Wednesday (Sept. 2) for the theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., to honor Dolly Parton following the country icon’s death on Aug. 25.

“Dolly would be telling us to get back to work. She knew what she wanted Dollywood to be. She always wantd this to be a place of fun and togetherness, and most of all … she taught us here at Dollywood how to dream big,” he began in the televised conference. “The last seven days have been filled with a lot of grief … but now, it’s time to look at how we’re gonna honor her on property moving forward.”

A press release stated that a cascading mountainside waterfall will be installed outside the front steps of the Robert F. Thomas Chapel to give visitors a place to reflect and enjoy nature. Naughton noted that the waterfall will feature a sculpted guitar, and the chapel will receive new stained-glass windows depicting the changing seasons to reflect Parton’s appreciation for the Great Smoky Mountains.

Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove will introduce a new character in 2027 to honor Parton’s Imagination Library, which has donated more than 330 million books to children since launching in 1995. The press release stated that the Dream Maker will encourage guests to dream big, believe in themselves and lift others up through courage and kindness. The character and her Dream Wagon will give children an opportunity to share their own dreams, hear stories inspired by Dolly and discover that dreams can become even more meaningful when they are shared with others.

The grove will also feature kiosks where visitors can share how the 10-time Grammy winner inspired their own dreams.

Additional updates include a new grand finale to the I Will Always Love You room inside the Songteller experience, a new entrance celebrating the park’s Dreamer-in-Chief, and more. Meanwhile, the nearby city of Sevierville will debut In Dolly’s Footsteps, a walking tour featuring 11 markers indicating locations of special significance in the country star’s life. Naughton stated that installation of the markers is scheduled to begin in days.

Parton landed 23 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 during her career. Naughton noted that many of the announced projects are already planned and underway, with several scheduled to be ready when the park opens in March 2027.

“Dollywood will always be a place where families find fun, kindness and joy — a place where they can make memories that last a lifetime, just like she would have wanted,” Naughton said in a statement. “We will carry her dreams forward by continuing to grow, welcoming even more guests and sharing the warmth and hospitality of which she was so proud.”

Watch the press conference below: